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Company

CLEAN HARBORS INC

Ticker
CLH
Sector
Industry
Report date
October 28, 2026
Valye AI Score

90

Very high visibility
Recent developments
Recent developments summary

Recent developments highlight Clean Harbors' rising Q3 profits, strategic acquisitions, and technology investments aiding performance amid rising costs.

Recent developments:
  • Clean Harbors reported a rise in Q3 profits with detailed analysis of key metrics for the quarter [N1][N2].
  • The company benefits from recurring revenues and strategic buyouts that support its position amid high industry rivalry [N3].
  • Technology investments and improved execution have aided Clean Harbors' performance amid rising operational costs [N8].
  • Clean Harbors continues to be compared favorably against peers in business services and waste management sectors, reflecting its competitive positioning [N3][N7].
Overview

Clean Harbors Inc is a provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services operating multiple segments including Environmental Services and Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions. The company engages in waste management, emergency response, and sustainability solutions, supported by strategic acquisitions and technology investments. Its financial disclosures indicate solid liquidity and profitability metrics as of Q3 2026.

Executive summary

Financial figures (if any) are summarized from the latest available SEC filings and are provided for informational purposes only — not financial advice. Clean Harbors Inc reported net income of $208.1 million and basic EPS of $3.94 for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. The company held $475.7 million in cash and cash equivalents with a current ratio of 1.95 as of the same date [S2]. Recent news highlights include rising Q3 profits and strategic initiatives supporting the business [N1][N2][N3].

Scenarios for CLH

Bull case model:

The company’s diversified service offerings and recurring revenue streams provide stability amid industry competition. Strategic acquisitions and technology investments enhance operational efficiency and market reach. Strong liquidity and profitability metrics support ongoing business activities and potential growth initiatives.

Bear case model:

High industry rivalry and rising operational costs pose challenges to margin expansion. Dependence on regulatory environments and environmental liabilities could impact operational flexibility. Integration risks from acquisitions and potential fluctuations in demand for industrial services may affect financial performance.

Moat:

Clean Harbors benefits from a diversified service portfolio across environmental and industrial sectors, supported by recurring revenues and strategic acquisitions. Its scale and operational breadth across multiple segments create barriers to entry and competitive advantages in servicing complex environmental and industrial needs.

Risks overview
Risks summary
The primary risks involve intense industry competition, regulatory compliance challenges, and operational cost pressures that could affect profitability and growth.
Risks details:

• Industry Competition: Clean Harbors operates in a highly competitive market with numerous players, which may pressure pricing and margins.
• Regulatory and Environmental Risks: The company faces risks related to environmental regulations and liabilities associated with waste management and remediation activities.
• Operational Cost Pressures: Rising costs in labor, materials, and compliance could impact profitability if not managed effectively.
• Acquisition Integration: Risks exist in successfully integrating acquired businesses and realizing anticipated synergies.

FINAL FORECAST FOR CLH

Final take one line
Clean Harbors exhibits strong business model visibility supported by detailed financial disclosures and extensive recent news coverage highlighting operational performance and strategic initiatives.
Final take 12 to 24 month view

Business trends: The company maintains diversified service segments with recurring revenues and strategic acquisitions amid competitive industry dynamics.
Execution milestones: Continued integration of acquisitions and technology investments aimed at improving operational efficiency.
Key risks: Industry competition, regulatory compliance challenges, operational cost pressures, and acquisition integration risks.

Valye AI Visibility Research Score

Very high visibility

Visibility score reflects the breadth and consistency of available disclosure across SEC filings, recent public reporting, and baseline business context (research-only; not investment advice).

90
LLM visibility overview
LLM Visibility known facts
  • Clean Harbors Inc operates in environmental and industrial services sectors, including Environmental Services and Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions segments as per SEC filings [S1].
  • The company reported net income of $208.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, with basic EPS of $3.94 and diluted EPS of $3.93 [S2].
  • As of September 30, 2026, Clean Harbors had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $475.7 million and current assets of about $2.51 billion, with current liabilities of approximately $1.29 billion, resulting in a current ratio of 1.95 and a cash ratio of 0.37 [S2].
  • Recent news highlights include rising Q3 profits and detailed analysis of key metrics for Q3 earnings [N1][N2].
  • The company has been noted for recurring revenues and strategic acquisitions aiding its position amid high industry rivalry [N3].
  • Clean Harbors operates multiple operating segments including Environmental Services, Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions, Technical Services, Industrial Services, and Field and Emergency Response as disclosed in SEC filings [S1].
  • The company has a history of acquisitions such as Noble Oil Services Inc. and Thompson Industrial, indicating growth through strategic buyouts [S1].
  • Recent news coverage discusses technology investments and improved execution aiding performance amid rising costs [N8].
  • Clean Harbors has been compared to peers in the business services and waste management sectors, with discussions on stock performance and industry positioning [N3][N7].
Sources
Sources - Context summary

Generated 2026-10-28

Sources - Earning calls
Sources - Other context
Sources - SEC Filings
  • S1 | 2026-02-18 | 10-K
  • S2 | 2026-10-28 | 10-Q
Sources - News headlines
  • N1 | 2026-10-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Compared to Estimates, Clean Harbors (CLH) Q3 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/compared-estimates-clean-harbors-clh-q3-earnings-look-key-metrics
  • N2 | 2026-10-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Clean Harbors, Inc. Q3 Profit Rises | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/clean-harbors-inc-q3-profit-rises
  • N3 | 2026-10-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Zacks.com featured highlights include Allegion, United Rentals and Clean Harbors | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/zackscom-featured-highlights-include-allegion-united-rentals-and-clean-harbors
  • N4 | 2026-10-27 | www.nasdaq.com | PNR Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Dip Y/Y on Pool Weakness | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/pnr-q3-earnings-beat-estimates-revenues-dip-y-y-pool-weakness
  • N5 | 2026-10-27 | www.nasdaq.com | Xylem (XYL) Misses Q3 Earnings and Revenue Estimates | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/xylem-xyl-misses-q3-earnings-and-revenue-estimates
  • N6 | 2026-10-22 | www.nasdaq.com | Veralto (VLTO) Reports Next Week: Wall Street Expects Earnings Growth | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/veralto-vlto-reports-next-week-wall-street-expects-earnings-growth
  • N7 | 2026-10-21 | www.nasdaq.com | FCN Gains From Diversified Demand & Investments Amid Rising Costs | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/fcn-gains-diversified-demand-investments-amid-rising-costs
  • N8 | 2026-10-20 | www.nasdaq.com | Technology Investments & Improved Execution Aid BAH Amid Rising Costs | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/technology-investments-improved-execution-aid-bah-amid-rising-costs
Important legal disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal or tax advice, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. The Valye AI Score is a model-based estimate derived from public information and is subject to change without notice. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information herein. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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