Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp trades at $57.87 (market cap $26.40B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $226.77 (market cap $90.68B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 3.4× Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp's market cap, and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp pays the higher dividend (2.25%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CTSH | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $26.40B | $90.68B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $86.70 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $38.73 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $27.44B | $113.47B |
Dividend Yield | 2.25% | 1.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
CTSH trades at $58.31, up 1.11% today, near its consensus price target of $59.92. The stock shows bullish technical signals with moving averages supporting an uptrend, though oscillators indicate overbought conditions. Recent Q2 2026 earnings missed estimates, but revenue beat expectations, and the company maintains strong profitability with a net margin of 10.26%. AI initiatives and financial services growth are key drivers, as highlighted in recent earnings calls (Seeking Alpha, 2026-07-29).
Outlook: CTSH offers value with a P/E of 12.58 and stable cash flows, but faces risks from client spending caution and competitive pressures. Upside potential exists if AI investments yield growth, though macroeconomic headwinds could limit near-term gains. Analysts are mixed, with 43% recommending buy.
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
Cognizant is a global IT services provider, offering consulting and outsourcing services to some of the world's largest enterprises spanning the financial services, media and communications, healthcare, natural resources, and consumer products industries. Cognizant employs nearly 300,000 people globally, roughly 70% of whom are in India, although the company's headquarters are in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Read more on CTSH →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 →