CLH Clean Harbors Earnings Preview May 6, 2026

Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLH) reports earnings on May 6, 2026, with analysts expecting $1.15 EPS and $1.47 billion in revenue. The environmental services leader faces a critical test after mixed recent results. Last quarter, CLH beat EPS estimates but missed revenue targets. The company’s stock trades at $310.44 with a 42.6 PE ratio, reflecting investor expectations for steady waste management demand. With a $16.56 billion market cap, CLH remains a key player in industrial environmental services. This earnings preview examines what to watch and whether the company can deliver on analyst expectations.

Earnings Estimates vs. Historical Performance

Analysts project $1.15 EPS and $1.47 billion revenue for this quarter. Looking at the last four quarters, CLH shows a mixed earnings trend that investors should understand carefully.

Recent Quarter Results

In Q4 2025 (ended February 20, 2026), CLH delivered $1.62 EPS, beating the $1.59 estimate by 3 cents. Revenue came in at $1.50 billion, exceeding the $1.47 billion estimate. This was a solid beat on both metrics. However, the prior quarter (Q3 2025) told a different story. CLH reported $2.21 EPS against a $2.37 estimate, missing by 16 cents. Revenue hit $1.55 billion, beating the $1.49 billion estimate. The pattern shows CLH struggles with EPS consistency but often delivers on revenue.

Trend Analysis

Looking back further, Q2 2025 (ended July 30) saw CLH report $2.36 EPS versus $2.33 estimate, a modest beat. Revenue was $1.55 billion against $1.59 billion estimate, a miss. This inconsistency matters. Over four quarters, CLH has beaten EPS twice and missed twice. Revenue performance is similarly split. The current $1.15 EPS estimate represents a significant decline from recent quarters, suggesting either seasonal weakness or analyst caution about market conditions.

What Investors Should Watch

Several key factors will determine if CLH meets or beats expectations on May 6.

Environmental Services Segment Performance

CLH’s Environmental Services segment drives profitability through hazardous waste collection, treatment, and disposal. Investors should monitor volume trends and pricing power. Industrial activity levels directly impact demand. If manufacturing and chemical production remain strong, CLH should see solid volumes. Pricing is equally important. The company’s ability to pass through cost increases to customers will be critical for margin expansion.

Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions Growth

The Safety-Kleen segment, which includes parts washers and automotive products, represents a growth opportunity. Watch for revenue growth in this division and whether margins are improving. This segment benefits from industrial maintenance demand and used oil collection services. Strong performance here could offset weakness elsewhere.

Operating Margins and Cash Flow

CLH’s gross margin sits at 29.5% trailing twelve months. Investors should track whether margins expand or contract. Operating cash flow grew 11.4% year-over-year, while free cash flow surged 27.9%. These metrics show strong cash generation. Watch for continued improvement in cash conversion, which supports dividends and debt reduction.

Beat or Miss Prediction

Based on historical patterns, CLH faces a mixed outlook for May 6 earnings.

EPS Likelihood

The $1.15 EPS estimate is notably lower than recent quarters. CLH has beaten EPS estimates in 2 of the last 4 quarters. However, the sharp decline from prior quarters suggests this estimate may be conservative. If industrial activity remains stable, CLH could beat this lower bar. Probability of EPS beat: Moderate to High. The company has demonstrated ability to manage costs and deliver earnings surprises.

Revenue Likelihood

The $1.47 billion revenue estimate aligns with recent quarterly performance. CLH has beaten revenue in 2 of 4 recent quarters. The company’s diversified service offerings provide revenue stability. However, economic headwinds could pressure volumes. Probability of revenue beat: Moderate. CLH typically meets or slightly exceeds revenue targets, but misses are possible if industrial demand softens.

Overall Assessment

Historical data suggests CLH is more likely to beat EPS than revenue. The lower EPS estimate provides a cushion. However, investors should prepare for either outcome. The company’s consistent cash flow generation and operational efficiency suggest management can deliver results despite market challenges.

Meyka AI Grade and Key Metrics

Meyka AI rates CLH with a grade of B+. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. These grades are not guaranteed and we are not financial advisors.

What the B+ Grade Means

The B+ rating indicates CLH is a solid performer with room for improvement. The company scores well on profitability metrics like ROE at 14.5% and ROA at 5.1%, showing efficient asset use. However, the 42.6 PE ratio is elevated, suggesting the market prices in future growth. The 6.0 price-to-book ratio indicates investors value CLH’s intangible assets and market position highly.

Financial Health Indicators

CLH maintains a 2.33 current ratio, showing strong short-term liquidity. The 1.26 debt-to-equity ratio is moderate for an industrial services company. Interest coverage of 3.98x indicates the company comfortably covers debt payments. Free cash flow yield of 2.7% demonstrates consistent cash generation. Analyst consensus is Buy with 3 strong buys, 7 buys, and 6 holds among 16 analysts. This broad support suggests confidence in CLH’s business model and earnings potential.

Final Thoughts

Clean Harbors enters May 6 earnings with solid fundamentals and conservative guidance. The $1.15 EPS estimate and $1.47 billion revenue target reflect typical performance, with the company beating EPS roughly 50% of the time. The B+ Meyka grade reflects strong cash flow and efficient operations, though elevated valuations warrant caution. Investors should monitor Environmental Services volume, Safety-Kleen growth, and margin sustainability. With analyst consensus favoring buys and strong technical momentum, CLH appears positioned to meet or exceed expectations, though economic conditions remain a key variable for industrial services demand.

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Disclaimer:

Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Earnings estimates are analyst projections and not guarantees of actual results. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.