Finance Halo
Company Overview
Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLH) is a leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services throughout North America. The company offers a broad range of solutions, including hazardous waste management, industrial cleaning, and emergency response services. CLH operates an extensive network of facilities, positioning itself as a crucial player in environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives for a diverse industrial client base.
Price Action Analysis
The daily chart shows CLH consolidating in a tight range between approximately $235 and $245 from early December to mid-December. A notable breakout occurred around December 30th, with a significant increase in volume accompanying the price's ascent. Following this, the price has continued to trend upwards, testing and surpassing previous highs. The weekly chart indicates a longer-term uptrend that experienced a pullback in late October and early November, followed by a period of consolidation. The recent upward move from late December suggests a potential resumption of this uptrend, with the price now trading at multi-month highs. Volume has been robust during the breakout and the subsequent upward price movement, indicating strong buying interest.
News & Catalysts
- "Clean Harbors (CLH) Gains 5% on Strong Q4 Earnings Expectations" (Source: MarketWatch, January 10, 2026) - This headline suggests positive investor sentiment driven by anticipation of strong fourth-quarter financial results. It likely contributed to the increased volume and upward price momentum observed in late December and early January.
- "Clean Harbors Expands Hazardous Waste Services in Texas" (Source: Environmental News Network, January 5, 2026) - This news highlights the company's strategic growth initiatives and expansion of its core services. Such announcements can positively influence investor perception and support price appreciation, especially when coupled with strong operational execution.
- "Analyst Upgrades CLH to 'Buy' Following Technical Breakout" (Source: Reuters, January 12, 2026) - Analyst upgrades often act as catalysts, reinforcing positive price action. This report specifically links the upgrade to a technical breakout, aligning with the observed price and volume patterns.
Fundamental Analysis
Key Financial Metrics
| Metric | Value | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $1.45B | +8.2% |
| Gross Profit | $450.1M | +10.5% |
| Net Income | $155.5M | +15.1% |
| EPS (Diluted) | $3.12 | +18.5% |
| Operating Margin | 18.5% | +1.2% |
| Net Profit Margin | 10.7% | +0.7% |
Analyst Estimates & Price Targets
| Metric | Latest Estimate | Consensus Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 EPS | $0.85 | Buy |
| Q1 2026 Revenue | $380.5M | |
| FY 2025 EPS | $3.20 | |
| FY 2025 Revenue | $1.50B | |
| Avg. Price Target | $275.00 | |
| Low Price Target | $250.00 | |
| High Price Target | $300.00 |
Key Takeaways:
- Growth: CLH demonstrates consistent year-over-year growth in revenue and net income.
- Profitability: Margins are healthy and showing an upward trend, indicating improved operational efficiency.
- Estimates: Analyst expectations for upcoming quarters and the full fiscal year are positive, with a consensus 'Buy' rating.
- Valuation: The average price target from analysts suggests a potential upside of approximately 10% from the current trading levels, based on the latest stock quote.
Market & Sentiment Context
Market Context: The environmental services sector, in which CLH operates, is generally considered defensive but also benefits from increasing regulatory focus on sustainability and waste management. Trends towards ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing may provide a tailwind for companies like CLH. Broader market sentiment appears cautiously optimistic, supporting companies with strong fundamentals and clear growth catalysts.
Investor Sentiment: The recent price action, characterized by a breakout from consolidation on increasing volume, suggests a shift from accumulation to a strong bullish sentiment. The tight consolidation pattern indicates that buyers absorbed selling pressure before initiating a significant upward move. The sustained buying interest on higher volume points to conviction among investors.
Investment Outlook
Clean Harbors (CLH) is exhibiting a strong bullish technical setup following a clear breakout from a consolidation pattern. The increasing volume accompanying the price surge indicates significant buyer participation and conviction. The company's fundamental profile, marked by consistent growth and improving profitability, provides a solid foundation for this technical strength.
Key Buy/Sell Levels
The current price for CLH is $264.08.
Key Support and Resistance Levels:
- Current Resistance (to be tested as support): The price has broken above the $264 level. This is now acting as the immediate resistance level that was recently broken. We will be watching to see if it holds as support on any pullbacks.
- Previous Consolidation High: The level around $250 represents the upper boundary of the prior consolidation. This has now been decisively broken and is expected to act as a significant support zone. This level is currently $14.08 (5.33%) below the current price.
- Consolidation Low: The lower end of the consolidation range, around $235, also serves as a key support level. This level is currently $29.08 (10.99%) below the current price.
These levels align with previous price action, with the $250 level marking the ceiling of the multi-week consolidation and $235 representing the floor. The breakout above $250 on increased volume suggests strong buying pressure.
Potential Upside Targets:
Based on the breakout from the consolidation pattern and assuming the trend continues, potential upside targets can be projected. A common method is to add the height of the consolidation range to the breakout point. The consolidation range was approximately $10 ($245 - $235). Adding this to the breakout point around $250 suggests a target in the $260-$270 range, which has now been reached and surpassed. Further upside could target levels around $280-$290, which are based on longer-term chart patterns and potential extensions.
Summary & Takeaways
Clean Harbors (CLH) is demonstrating a compelling bullish technical breakout, supported by strong volume and positive fundamental indicators. The company is well-positioned within the growing environmental services sector, with recent strategic expansions and positive analyst sentiment contributing to its upward momentum.
Key takeaways:
- Strong Technical Breakout: CLH has successfully broken out of a tight consolidation pattern on significant volume, indicating strong buying interest.
- Solid Fundamentals: The company exhibits consistent revenue and profit growth, with improving margins and positive analyst outlooks.
- Sector Tailwinds: Favorable trends in environmental compliance and ESG investing provide a supportive backdrop.
- Key Levels: Immediate support is expected around the prior resistance levels of $250 and $235. Upside targets could extend towards $280-$290 if the momentum continues.
Investors should monitor CLH for continued price appreciation, with a close watch on support levels holding during any potential pullbacks.