AFLAC Incorporated vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? AFLAC Incorporated trades at $120.83 (market cap $60.70B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $226.76 (market cap $90.68B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and AFLAC Incorporated pays the higher dividend (2.02%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AFL | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $60.70B | $90.68B |
Sector | Financials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $129.55 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $103.55 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $70.65B | $113.47B |
Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 1.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AFL trades at $121.94, down 2.14% with bearish technical signals and recent earnings misses. The stock shows strong profitability with 26.59% net margin and 16.91% ROE, but faces revenue declines from $19.1B in 2024 to $17.4B in 2025. Recent news highlights AFL's rebranding efforts and dividend consistency amid healthcare cost pressures. Technical indicators show oversold RSI at 17.69 with support at $117.
Outlook remains cautious with mixed analyst sentiment (28% buy, 56% hold) and $118 consensus target below current price. Risks include Japan market exposure and currency headwinds, balanced by 43-year dividend growth history and strong cash flow generation. The stock offers value at 13x P/E but requires monitoring of revenue stabilization.
WM trades at $226.6, down 0.47% over 24 hours, with a bullish technical signal and support near $226. The stock shows strong profitability with a 40.6% gross margin and 11.12% net margin, though its P/E of 59.74 is elevated. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations at $2.02 per share, and analyst consensus is a buy with a $263.43 price target. Cash flow from operations grew to $6.04B in 2025, but net cash flow was negative $190M due to investments.
Outlook is positive with revenue growth and margin stability, but risks include high valuation and debt levels. The stock offers upside to the consensus target, supported by institutional confidence and consistent earnings beats, though investors should monitor volume trends and interest rate impacts on borrowing costs.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in the two largest insurance markets in the world, the U.S. and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accidents, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling most of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work.
Read more on AFL →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →