Compare Diageo plc (DEO) vs Waste Management, Inc. (WM) Price & Performance

Diageo (DEO) trades at $84.73, down 0.06% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company maintains strong profitability with a 59.47% gross margin and has beaten EPS estimates in the last three quarters. Recent news highlights marketing initiatives and a CFO transition planned for 2027. The balance sheet shows $2.65B in cash against $23.75B in total debt, with a debt-to-asset ratio improving to 48.05% in 2026.

The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus leans bullish (49% buy ratings) with a focus on the US turnaround plan, but 2026 projections show declining revenue and net income. Key risks include execution of the restructuring, competitive pressures, and regulatory challenges in markets like India. The stock offers income via dividends but faces near-term fundamental headwinds.

Waste Management (WM) trades at $208.94, up 0.51% with mixed technical signals showing bearish moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with $25.2B revenue in 2025, 11.12% net margin, and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Recent news highlights WM's defensive business model and dividend reliability, while analyst consensus remains strongly positive with 57% buy ratings.

WM presents a compelling long-term investment with stable cash flows and dividend growth potential, though elevated debt levels and near-term technical weakness warrant caution. The stock's premium valuation (P/E 29.55) reflects quality but limits near-term upside absent significant earnings acceleration.