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Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd. (AU:CWY)
ASX:CWY

Cleanaway Waste Management (CWY) AI Stock Analysis

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AU:CWY

Cleanaway Waste Management

(Sydney:CWY)

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Neutral 46 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:46Neutral
Price Target:
AU$2.50
▲(3.73% Upside)
Cleanaway Waste Management's overall stock score is primarily impacted by weak financial performance and technical indicators. The high P/E ratio suggests overvaluation, and the bearish technical signals indicate potential downside risk. The stable balance sheet provides some financial resilience, but the company needs to address profitability and cash flow challenges to improve its outlook.
Positive Factors
Vertical integration and asset network
Owning collection, processing, treatment and disposal assets creates a durable competitive advantage: it lets Cleanaway internalize volumes, optimize routing and facility utilization, capture processing margin and reduce third-party fees, supporting steady margin resilience and contract stickiness over time.
Balanced leverage and solid equity base
A moderate debt-to-equity ratio and near-50% equity ratio provide financial resilience against cyclical volume swings and regulatory cost changes. This balance supports disciplined investment in capital-intensive infrastructure and preserves borrowing capacity for strategic projects or acquisitions over the medium term.
Strong operating cash conversion relative to earnings
Operating cash flow well above reported net income signals high cash-generative operations from core services. This durable cash productivity supports ongoing capex for facilities, funds working capital needs, and reduces short-term liquidity risk even if free cash flow faces pressures.
Negative Factors
Weak free cash flow conversion and decline
A large decline in free cash flow and low FCF-to-net-income ratio reduce internal funding for maintenance and growth capex, dividends or debt reduction. Over several quarters this erodes financial flexibility, may force higher external financing, and constrains the ability to invest in efficiency upgrades or expansions.
Recent decline in revenue growth
Declining top-line growth is a structural concern for a volume- and contract-driven business. Lower volumes or pricing pressure reduce facility utilization and weaken ability to spread fixed costs, making margins and return on invested capital harder to sustain without new contract wins or service diversification.
Low net profitability margins
A single-digit net margin leaves a thin buffer against input cost inflation, regulatory levies, or volume declines common in waste services. Sustained low margins constrain retained earnings for reinvestment, limit ROE improvement prospects and make long-term cash returns sensitive to commodity and cost shifts.

Cleanaway Waste Management (CWY) vs. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA)

Cleanaway Waste Management Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCleanaway Waste Management Limited provides waste management, industrial, and environmental services in Australia. The company operates through three segments: Solid Waste Services, Industrial & Waste Services, and Liquid Waste & Health Services. It offers commercial and industrial, municipal, and residential collection services for various types of solid waste streams, including general waste, recyclables, construction, and demolition waste, as well as medical and washroom services. The company also involved in the ownership and management of waste transfer stations, resource recovery and recycling facilities, secure product destruction, quarantine treatment operations, and landfills; sale of recovered paper, cardboard, metals, and plastics; and collection, treatment, processing, and recycling of liquid and hazardous waste, including industrial waste, grease trap waste, oily waters, and used mineral and cooking oils in packaged and bulk forms. In addition, it offers industrial solutions comprising industrial cleaning, vacuum tanker loading, site remediation, sludge management, parts washing, concrete remediation, CCTV, corrosion protection, and emergency response services. Further, the company refines and recycles used mineral oils to produce fuel oils and base oils; generates and sells electricity produced utilizing landfill gas; and provides health and biohazardous waste, organic waste, e-waste recycling, industrial construction and cleaning, and equipment cleaning services, as well as spill kits. It offers its services to various industries. The company was formerly known as Transpacific Industries Group Ltd. and changed its name to Cleanaway Waste Management Limited in February 2016. Cleanaway Waste Management Limited was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
How the Company Makes MoneyCleanaway generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily by charging customers for waste collection and disposal services. Their revenue model includes fees for regular waste collection, one-off pickups, and specialized services for hazardous waste management. Additionally, the company earns money from recycling operations, where recovered materials are sold to manufacturers and other industries. Cleanaway has formed significant partnerships with municipalities and private enterprises, which provide stable contracts and recurring revenue. The company also benefits from government initiatives that promote recycling and waste reduction, further enhancing its earning potential in the sustainability sector.

Cleanaway Waste Management Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 15, 2024
(Q2-2024)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 26, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong financial performance, strategic progress, and successful operational initiatives. However, challenges remain with labor productivity, safety performance, and competition. The balance between achievements and ongoing challenges results in a cautiously optimistic outlook.
Q2-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Delivered a strong financial performance with a 25.7% increase in EBIT to $173.9 million, reflecting growth in various segments and recovery from previous challenges.
Operational Excellence Initiatives
Implemented branch-led productivity and efficiency initiatives, leading to a 160 basis point increase in EBIT margin and a 90 basis point rise in ROIC.
New Business Wins and Strategic Progress
Achieved new business wins and strategic progress including launching VIC CDS operations and mobilizing the IWS Santos contract.
Methane Reduction and Environmental Initiatives
Landfill gas capture and monetization program reduced emissions, with methane reduction tracking 15% ahead of the target.
Health Services Business Turnaround
Health Services returned to profitability in Q2 and is on track to deliver an annualized $15 million EBIT run rate by Q4.
Successful Launch of VIC CDS Operations
VIC CDS operations commenced successfully on November 1, with volumes tracking in line with expectations.
Negative Updates
Challenges with Labor Productivity
Despite reducing vacancy levels and turnover, first-year voluntary turnover remains high, impacting productivity.
Higher Repair and Maintenance Costs
Faced higher repair and maintenance costs due to mechanic shortages and increased use of third-party mechanics.
Continued Competition in Markets
Faced intense competition in certain markets, particularly in Victoria's landfill operations, affecting pricing strategies.
Safety Performance Concerns
Although on track with the delivery of safety plans, lagging indicators like TRIFR are behind expectations.
Company Guidance
During the Cleanaway FY '24 Half Year Results Briefing, the company reported strong financial performance, showcasing a 25.7% increase in underlying EBIT to $173.9 million and a 160 basis point expansion in EBIT margin. The company highlighted progress in its strategic initiatives, such as the recovery of its Queensland Solids business and the health services sector. Cleanaway is on track to meet its FY '24 EBIT guidance of approximately $350 million, with significant contributions from new business growth and operational efficiencies. The organization also emphasized its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on methane reduction, which is tracking 15% ahead of the planned '24 target emissions trajectory. Furthermore, the directors declared an interim unfranked dividend of $0.0245 per share, maintaining their financial discipline and shareholder commitment.

Cleanaway Waste Management Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Cleanaway Waste Management faces challenges with declining revenue growth and profitability margins, which could impact future performance. The balance sheet remains stable with a balanced debt-to-equity ratio and solid equity base, providing financial resilience. Cash flow metrics highlight concerns with free cash flow generation, though operating cash flow remains strong. The company should focus on improving profitability and cash flow conversion to enhance financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Cleanaway Waste Management shows a declining revenue growth rate of -0.99% in the latest year, indicating potential challenges in maintaining sales momentum. The gross profit margin is notably high at 100% due to the accounting treatment of costs, but the net profit margin is relatively low at 4.14%, suggesting limited profitability. EBIT and EBITDA margins are moderate, reflecting operational efficiency but also highlighting room for improvement in cost management.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 0.59, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging debt. Return on equity is modest at 5.16%, suggesting average efficiency in generating returns from shareholders' equity. The equity ratio stands at 46.24%, showing a solid equity base relative to total assets, which provides financial stability.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Free cash flow growth is negative at -34.36%, raising concerns about cash generation capabilities. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is 2.91, indicating strong cash flow generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.27, suggesting that a portion of earnings is being converted into free cash flow, albeit at a declining rate.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.85B3.79B3.70B3.51B2.97B2.37B
Gross Profit962.10M3.79B480.70M365.00M328.50M316.50M
EBITDA640.80M707.90M688.10M434.00M487.40M521.80M
Net Income156.90M156.90M156.60M21.60M78.90M145.30M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets6.58B6.58B6.37B6.07B5.85B4.80B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments86.50M86.50M120.60M102.10M66.50M69.40M
Total Debt1.80B1.80B1.73B1.59B1.68B1.07B
Total Liabilities3.53B3.53B3.37B3.13B3.22B2.16B
Stockholders Equity3.04B3.04B3.00B2.94B2.63B2.63B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow162.80M122.10M138.90M96.70M204.30M179.50M
Operating Cash Flow457.20M457.20M542.10M482.60M467.30M425.70M
Investing Cash Flow-309.80M-308.10M-459.50M-548.90M-774.40M-292.40M
Financing Cash Flow-183.20M-183.20M-64.10M101.90M304.20M-143.70M

Cleanaway Waste Management Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price2.41
Price Trends
50DMA
2.58
Negative
100DMA
2.65
Negative
200DMA
2.69
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.04
Positive
RSI
30.00
Neutral
STOCH
21.90
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AU:CWY, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 2.41 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2.52, below the 50-day MA of 2.58, and below the 200-day MA of 2.69, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.04 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 30.00 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.90 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for AU:CWY.

Cleanaway Waste Management Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Neutral
AU$477.60M16.358.00%4.73%-9.67%-6.49%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
57
Neutral
AU$79.98M25.455.66%1.28%-14.88%-56.89%
50
Neutral
AU$32.66M-14.29-16.00%11.53%46.15%
46
Neutral
$5.40B34.285.08%2.32%2.39%
42
Neutral
AU$17.61M-0.79-12.78%-8.37%-300.48%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AU:CWY
Cleanaway Waste Management
2.41
-0.23
-8.68%
AU:CLG
Close the Loop Ltd.
0.03
-0.10
-74.62%
AU:VEE
Veem Ltd
0.55
-0.43
-44.22%
AU:DEM
De.mem Ltd.
0.10
-0.04
-28.57%
AU:KSC
K & S Corporation Limited
3.49
0.05
1.45%

Cleanaway Waste Management Corporate Events

Cleanaway Appoints Vanessa Guthrie to Board, Discloses Shareholding
Feb 1, 2026

Cleanaway Waste Management Limited has announced the appointment of Vanessa Ann Guthrie as a director, effective 1 February 2026. According to the initial director’s interest notice lodged with the ASX, Guthrie holds a beneficial interest in 19,685 ordinary shares in the company via BNP Paribas Securities Services, with no additional contractual interests disclosed, underscoring the company’s ongoing refresh of its board and governance disclosures to the market.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Hold with a A$2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

Cleanaway to Issue 2.6 Million Unquoted Performance Rights Under Staff Incentive Plan
Jan 14, 2026

Cleanaway Waste Management has notified the market of the issue of 2,620,128 unquoted performance rights under its employee incentive scheme, scheduled to be issued on 5 November 2025. The issuance of these performance rights, which are not intended to be quoted on the ASX, underscores the company’s continued use of equity-based incentives to reward and retain staff, aligning employee interests with long-term shareholder value and operational performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Buy with a A$3.15 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

Australian Retirement Trust Ceases Substantial Holding in Cleanaway
Nov 20, 2025

Australian Retirement Trust Pty Ltd has ceased to be a substantial holder in Cleanaway Waste Management Limited as of November 18, 2025. This change in substantial holding could impact the company’s shareholder structure and influence its market dynamics, as substantial holders often play a significant role in corporate governance and strategic decision-making.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Buy with a A$3.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

EROAD Partners with Cleanaway for Advanced Vehicle Monitoring in Australia
Nov 17, 2025

EROAD has entered into an agreement with Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd. to deliver a comprehensive vehicle monitoring solution for over 3,000 heavy vehicles in Australia. This partnership, which includes advanced safety and compliance features, is expected to generate over A$5 million in annual recurring revenue and highlights EROAD’s commitment to supporting the Australian market with innovative technology. The collaboration reflects Cleanaway’s dedication to safety and efficiency, marking a significant step towards safer roads and work environments.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Buy with a A$3.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

Cleanaway Director Increases Stake in Company Securities
Nov 12, 2025

Cleanaway Waste Management Limited announced a change in the director’s interest, with Mark John Schubert acquiring additional securities. The acquisition includes 754,641 Rights and 147,581 restricted Ordinary Shares, granted under the company’s Long Term Incentive Plan and Deferred Equity Plan. This change, approved at the company’s Annual General Meeting, reflects Cleanaway’s ongoing commitment to aligning management incentives with shareholder interests, potentially impacting the company’s governance and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Buy with a A$3.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

Cleanaway Waste Management Issues New Employee Share Scheme Securities
Nov 12, 2025

Cleanaway Waste Management Limited has announced the issuance of new securities as part of its 2022 Employee Share Scheme. The company will issue matching shares on a 1 for 4 basis to employee shareholders who have met the three-year employment requirement, with a total of 25,061 ordinary fully paid securities to be quoted on the ASX. This move aims to incentivize and retain employees, potentially strengthening the company’s operational stability and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Buy with a A$3.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

Cleanaway Issues Performance Rights to Boost Employee Incentives
Nov 12, 2025

Cleanaway Waste Management Limited announced the issuance of 1,515,016 performance rights under its employee incentive scheme, which are not intended to be quoted on the ASX. This move is part of the company’s strategy to incentivize its workforce, potentially impacting its operational efficiency and aligning employee interests with company performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Buy with a A$3.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

Cleanaway Waste Management Issues New Securities Under Employee Incentive Scheme
Nov 12, 2025

Cleanaway Waste Management Limited announced the issuance of 603,256 ordinary fully paid securities under an employee incentive scheme, which will be quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This move is part of the company’s strategy to enhance employee engagement and align staff interests with corporate performance, potentially strengthening its market position and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:CWY) stock is a Buy with a A$3.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cleanaway Waste Management stock, see the AU:CWY Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 18, 2025