“Yeah, These Are Timeless.” – Jim Cramer Calls Waste Management, Inc. (WM) a Forever Stock

Byline:
Jim Cramer’s recent praise for Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) underscores its status as a “timeless” investment—a “forever stock” with enduring value. The Mad Money host has repeatedly highlighted the environmental services giant as a core holding for long-term investors, even as markets grapple with disruptive technologies and geopolitical risks.

The Case for Waste Management as a “Forever Stock”

Cramer’s April 2024 remarks framed Waste Management alongside utilities, Verizon, and Coca-Cola as companies with “timeless” appeal. “Utility, Verizon, perfect Coca-Cola, Waste Management. Yeah, these are timeless,” he said, emphasizing the firm’s role in essential services like waste collection, recycling, and renewable energy production. This classification reflects the company’s recession-resistant business model, which generates stable cash flows through indispensable operations.

Why “Timeless” Matters in 2025

In 2025, Cramer doubled down on his endorsement during multiple Mad Money segments. On January 28, 2025, he urged investors to “start a position right now” in WM, calling it “absolutely terrific.” By March 2025, he escalated his bullish stance, labeling it a “lifetime super strong buy” amid market volatility.

The company’s resilience is quantifiable: Waste Management’s stock has risen over 80% since 2020, outperforming broader markets during periods of economic uncertainty. Its 1.43% dividend yield and diversified revenue streams—from landfill gas energy to construction remediation—bolster its appeal as a defensive play.

Institutional Support and Operational Scale

Waste Management’s institutional backing adds credibility. As of Q4 2024, 67 hedge funds held the stock, including Diamond Hill Capital, which highlighted its long-term prospects in its investor letter. The company’s operational footprint—spanning 48 states and serving millions of residential and commercial customers—reinforces its dominance in environmental services.

Cramer’s team also noted that a newsletter strategy mimicking top hedge funds, which included WM, delivered 373.4% returns since 2014, underscoring institutional confidence in its longevity.

Contrasting with Volatile Sectors

While Cramer acknowledges AI’s short-term potential, he positions Waste Management as a counterweight to market speculation. “Nobody ever made a dime panicking,” he advised, contrasting WM’s steady growth with risky bets on overhyped sectors.

For instance, AI stocks surged in early 2025 but faced corrections, while WM’s stock remained stable. Cramer’s focus on WM’s essential services—unaffected by trade tensions with China or tech sector turbulence—aligns with his philosophy of prioritizing “quietly consistent” performers.

Risks and Considerations

Despite its strengths, Waste Management faces challenges like regulatory shifts and rising costs. However, Cramer argues these are mitigated by its scale and pricing power. The company has consistently raised prices to offset inflation, a strategy that protected margins even as competitors struggled.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Long-Term Portfolios

Jim Cramer’s repeated praise for Waste Management reflects its status as a “forever stock”—a cornerstone for investors seeking stability. With 80% growth since 2020, strong institutional support, and a dividend yield that rewards patience, WM offers a hedge against market swings.

While AI stocks may dazzle in the short term, Cramer’s long-term lens positions WM as a rare blend of growth and safety. As he noted, “These are timeless”—and in a world of uncertainty, time is precisely what enduring investments need to shine.

In 2025, Waste Management isn’t just a stock—it’s a testament to the power of essential services in building wealth over decades.