AstraZeneca plc vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? AstraZeneca plc trades at $158.69 (market cap $248.14B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $227.03 (market cap $90.68B). The key difference: AstraZeneca plc is far larger — about 2.7× Waste Management, Inc.'s market cap, and AstraZeneca plc pays the higher dividend (2.01%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AZN | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $248.14B | $90.68B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $209.48 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $147.06 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $275.41B | $113.47B |
Dividend Yield | 2.01% | 1.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AstraZeneca (AZN) trades at $157.39, down 2.79% amid bearish technical signals and merger speculation. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with revenue growth to $58.74B in 2025 and a net income margin of 17.02%. Recent earnings have consistently beaten estimates, and analyst consensus is positive with 47.5% buy ratings. However, news of potential merger talks with Bristol Myers Squibb and a related legal investigation have introduced volatility.
The outlook is mixed; solid profitability and growth support long-term value, but near-term price pressure from technical indicators and merger uncertainty presents a cautious entry point. Key risks include deal execution challenges and integration complexities should a merger proceed.
WM trades at $227.2, up 0.26% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.02, beating estimates, and maintains robust profitability with a net income margin of 11.12%. Revenue growth is steady, reaching $25.20B in 2025, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 59.74 appear elevated. Recent news highlights institutional trading activity and earnings focus on pricing discipline.
The outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $263.43, implying 16% upside, supported by 57% buy ratings. Risks include high debt levels and sensitivity to economic cycles, but consistent cash flow generation and margin gains provide a solid foundation for long-term investors.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
A merger between Astra of Sweden and Zeneca Group of the United Kingdom formed AstraZeneca in 1999. The firm sells branded drugs across several major therapeutic classes, including gastrointestinal, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, and immunology. The majority of sales come from international markets with the United States representing close to one third of its sales.
Read more on AZN →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 →