Analyst Ratings February 18, 2026

BMO Lifts Clean Harbors Target as Signs of Industrial Recovery Emerge

Analyst keeps Outperform rating after company signals improving demand, cost discipline and stronger capital deployment

By Caleb Monroe CLH
BMO Lifts Clean Harbors Target as Signs of Industrial Recovery Emerge
CLH

BMO Capital raised its 12-month price objective for Clean Harbors (CLH) to $310 from $290 while retaining an Outperform rating, citing improving underlying demand, disciplined execution and greater capital deployment following the company's fourth-quarter 2025 update. The firm flagged early indications of recovery in industrial markets and sees potentially meaningful upside for the stock even as the shares trade at a premium valuation.

Key Points

  • BMO Capital raised its price target on Clean Harbors to $310 from $290 and maintained an Outperform rating, citing improving demand, strong execution, cost controls and increased capital deployment.
  • Clean Harbors reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1.5 billion versus a $1.47 billion consensus and EPS of $1.62 versus a $1.61 consensus, results that topped analyst expectations.
  • Data show the stock trading at a P/E of 39.16, and BMO noted early signs of improvement in industrial markets - factors that affect investor valuation and sentiment across industrial and equity market sectors.

BMO Capital increased its price target on Clean Harbors (NYSE: CLH) to $310 from $290 and left its rating at Outperform, pointing to several constructive takeaways from the company's fourth-quarter 2025 update. At the time of the note, Clean Harbors was trading at $276.25 and carried a market capitalization of $14.77 billion, having delivered a 14.76% return year-to-date.

In its assessment, BMO highlighted improving underlying demand across the business, execution that the firm characterized as strong, continued cost controls and a noted uptick in capital deployment. Those items together formed the basis for the firm's raised target and its view that the shares may have significant upside potential.

Valuation remains a notable consideration. Data from InvestingPro included in the update shows Clean Harbors trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.16, a level that implies a premium relative to its peer group. BMO described the company's initial year-ahead outlook as characteristically conservative and flagged emerging signals of recovery in industrial markets as an element supporting its more bullish stance.

The analyst action follows the company’s fourth-quarter earnings report, which exceeded consensus expectations. Clean Harbors posted revenue of $1.5 billion, ahead of the $1.47 billion consensus. Reported earnings per share came in at $1.62 versus an analyst projection of $1.61. Those results underscore the company’s stronger-than-expected performance in the quarter and were singled out by investors and analysts monitoring the name.

Despite the positive surprise on the top and bottom lines, shares of Clean Harbors slipped modestly in after-hours trading following the earnings release. Market participants continue to digest the company’s recent financial updates as analysts weigh the outlook and valuation implications.

BMO’s upgrade of the price target, coupled with its Outperform rating, reflects the firm’s view that improving end-market indicators, disciplined cost management and more active capital deployment could combine to drive additional upside for the stock. At the same time, the elevated P/E multiple and the market’s immediate post-earnings reaction highlight areas investors and analysts are still assessing.


Context for readers: The discussion centers on the firm's recent note to investors, the company’s reported fourth-quarter financials and market reaction to those results. Analysts continue to track performance metrics and market signals to refine their outlooks.

Risks

  • Valuation premium - the reported P/E of 39.16 indicates the stock trades at a premium to peers, presenting downside risk if growth expectations are not met.
  • Market reaction - shares experienced a modest after-hours decline despite better-than-expected quarterly results, signaling potential short-term volatility in equity markets.
  • Dependence on industrial market recovery - BMO’s more optimistic stance is tied to emerging signals in industrial markets; if those signals do not persist, upside may be limited.

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