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Clean Harbors (NYSE:CLH) Surges After Crushing Q2 Estimates and Raising Guidance

CLEAN HARBORS INC (NYSE:CLH) reported second-quarter results that crushed analyst expectations, sending shares sharply higher in pre-market trading on Thursday. The environmental and industrial services company posted earnings per share of $3.22 on revenue of $1.74 billion, far exceeding the consensus estimate of $2.83 per share and $1.66 billion in revenue. The beats represent a 13.7% EPS surprise and a 4.7% revenue surprise, reflecting broad operational momentum across both reporting segments.

Earnings Beat Estimates

Clean Harbors delivered a standout quarter compared to analyst projections:

  • Revenue: $1.74 billion vs. $1.66 billion estimated (beat by 4.7%)
  • Non-GAAP EPS: $3.22 vs. $2.83 estimated (beat by 13.7%)
  • Income from operations: $268.9 million, up 28% year-over-year
  • Adjusted EBITDA: $409.0 million, a 22% increase from the prior-year period

The strong results were driven by healthy volumes in the Environmental Services segment and a sharp uptick in market pricing for re-refined products in Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions (SKSS).

Guidance Raised

Management raised its full-year 2026 outlook, with the midpoint of Adjusted EBITDA guidance raised by $110 million to $1.38 billion and the midpoint of adjusted free cash flow guidance raised by $30 million to $550 million. For the third quarter, the company expects Adjusted EBITDA to grow 24% to 28% year-over-year.

For context, analysts currently project full-year revenue of $6.37 billion and full-year EPS of $8.83. While Clean Harbors does not provide explicit revenue or EPS guidance, the upward revision to profitability metrics signals confidence in sustained demand.

Segment Strength

The Environmental Services segment delivered its 17th consecutive quarter of year-over-year Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion, reaching 27.9%. Technical Services revenue grew 18% on strong disposal and recycling demand, with incineration utilization at 91% versus 86% a year ago.

The SKSS segment saw revenue surge 41% and Adjusted EBITDA jump 143%, benefiting from global supply disruptions of refined products. The company's used oil collection totaled 61 million gallons while management continued to actively manage the re-refining spread.

Market Reaction

The pre-market move of approximately 5.4% reflects the magnitude of the earnings beat and the raised guidance. The company also announced a $600 million ten-year disposal contract and the $305 million acquisition of ES&H to bolster Field Services in the Gulf region, both of which support the positive outlook.

Investors who want to review historical earnings data can find more details on past performance here. For updated estimates and forward-looking projections, this page provides the latest analyst consensus.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.

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Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLH)