First Solar, Inc. vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? First Solar, Inc. trades at $212.87 (market cap $24.05B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $241.24 (market cap $93.49B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 3.9× First Solar, Inc.'s market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays a 1.52% dividend while First Solar, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| FSLR | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $24.05B | $93.49B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $318.30 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $166.82 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $22.21B | $116.22B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.52% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
First Solar (FSLR) trades at $213.15, down 3.37% amid bearish technical signals and class action lawsuit headlines. The stock shows strong fundamentals with a P/E of 14.46, net income margin of 30.73%, and robust cash flow growth, though recent earnings misses and legal overhangs weigh on sentiment. Revenue climbed to $5.22B in 2025, with projected growth to $5.4B in 2026, supported by expanding operating cash flows.
The outlook balances solid profitability and analyst bullishness (60% buy ratings, $275.17 target) against near-term legal risks and technical weakness. Upside hinges on lawsuit resolution and execution of growth forecasts, while downside risks include prolonged litigation and competitive pressures in solar tech.
WM trades at $242.56, up 3.54% today and near its 52-week high, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported $25.20B revenue in 2025, with a net income margin of 10.99%, though recent quarters show mixed EPS performance. Strong cash flow from operations of $6.04B supports dividend payments, including a recent $0.95 per share distribution.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $264.17, reflecting analyst confidence in WM's pricing power and renewable energy initiatives. Key risks include elevated debt levels and potential economic sensitivity. The stock offers stability with growth potential, but investors should monitor execution against earnings expectations.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
First Solar designs and manufactures solar photovoltaic panels, modules, and systems for use in utility-scale development projects. The company's solar modules use cadmium telluride to convert sunlight into electricity. This is commonly called thin-film technology. First Solar is the world's largest thin-film solar module manufacturer. It has production lines in Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, and a new factory under construction in India.
Read more on FSLR →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 →