With a market cap of $78.2 billion, Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) is the second-largest provider of non-hazardous solid waste and environmental services in the United States. The company offers a range of services, including waste collection, recycling, landfill management, and renewable energy projects across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Shares of the Phoenix, Arizona-based company have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. RSG has surged 33.1% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied 12.5%. Moreover, shares of Republic Services are up 24.5% on a YTD basis, compared to SPX’s 1.4% gain.

Focusing more closely, the waste management company has also outpaced the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLI) 15.1% return over the past 52 weeks and a 9.7% YTD gain. 

Despite reporting weaker-than-expected Q1 2025 revenue of $4 billion on Apr. 24, Republic Services’ stock rose 1.2% the next day. EPS of $1.58 beat the consensus estimate and rose 9% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion exceeded projections and delivered a 140 basis point margin expansion to 31.6%. Investors were also encouraged by the company’s reaffirmed full-year guidance, including projected revenue of $16.9 billion - around $17 billion and EPS of $6.82 - $6.90, which aligns with or exceeds consensus estimates.

For the fiscal year ending in December 2025, analysts expect RSG’s EPS to grow 6.7% year-over-year to $6.89. The company's earnings surprise history is promising. It topped the consensus estimates in the last four quarters.

Among the 21 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a “Moderate Buy.” That’s based on 12 “Strong Buy” ratings, two “Moderate Buys,” and seven “Holds.”

This configuration is slightly more bullish than three months ago, with 11 “Strong Buy” ratings on the stock.

On Apr. 25, Oppenheimer reiterated its “Outperform” rating and $262 price target for Republic Services.

As of writing, RSG is trading below the mean price target of $261.53. The Street-high price target of $280 implies a potential upside of 11.8% from the current price levels.