Danaher Corporation vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Danaher Corporation trades at $201.01 (market cap $140.88B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $233 (market cap $94.08B). The key difference: Danaher Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.51%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DHR | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $140.88B | $94.08B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $242.05 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $161.91 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $153.66B | $116.81B |
Dividend Yield | 0.8% | 1.51% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Danaher (DHR) trades at $199.05, down 0.55% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus price target of $211.33. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $2.06 exceeding expectations. Revenue for 2025 was $24.57 billion, with a net income margin of 14.89%, though margins have declined from 2022 levels. Recent news includes the acquisition of Masimo and strong biotechnology segment performance.
The stock presents a favorable risk-reward profile with analyst support (69% buy ratings) and solid cash flow generation, but faces risks from margin compression and a high P/E ratio of 38.58. Upside is driven by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, while headwinds include competitive pressures and macroeconomic uncertainty. The current price near $199 offers modest upside to the consensus target, with key resistance at $200.
WM trades at $236.71, up 1.45% today, near its 52-week high. The stock shows bullish technical signals with strong moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $263.57. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, with revenue growth to $25.20 billion in 2025. The company maintains solid profitability with a 10.99% net margin and offers a dividend, with the next payment scheduled for June 18, 2026.
Outlook remains positive due to pricing discipline and renewable energy initiatives, but high valuation multiples (P/E 34.26) and recent earnings misses pose risks. Institutional sentiment is bullish with no sell ratings, though debt levels have increased. Key near-term catalyst is Q2 2026 earnings release on July 28, 2026.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
In 1984, Danaher's founders transformed a real estate organization into an industrial-focused manufacturing company. Through a series of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including the Fortive separation in 2016, Danaher now focuses primarily on manufacturing scientific instruments and consumables in three segments: life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied solutions. In late 2019, Danaher separated from its dental business through an initial public offering process, and in early 2020, it acquired GE's Biopharma business, now called Cytiva, which added to its life sciences segment.
Read more on DHR →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 →