Palo Alto Networks Inc vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Palo Alto Networks Inc trades at $336.2 (market cap $274.64B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217.1 (market cap $87.05B). The key difference: Palo Alto Networks Inc is far larger — about 3.2× Waste Management, Inc.'s market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays a 1.74% dividend while Palo Alto Networks Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PANW | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $274.64B | $87.05B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $396.00 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $141.67 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $273.60B | $109.85B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.74% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) trades at $336.98, up 1.12% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. Revenue grew to $9.22B in FY2025, with strong gross margins of 71.94%, but valuation ratios are elevated (P/E 293.03, P/S 23.39). The company is set to join the S&P 500, reflecting its leadership in AI cybersecurity, though rising costs and premium pricing pose challenges.
Outlook remains positive due to AI-driven security demand and platformization strategy, but high valuation and competitive pressures warrant caution. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $410.48 price target, yet near-term volatility may persist as the stock digests recent gains and faces execution risks in a dynamic cybersecurity landscape.
WM trades at $217.78, down 0.55% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 earnings, beating EPS estimates but missing Q4 2025. Revenue grew to $25.20B in 2025, with strong profitability margins. Analysts maintain a buy consensus with a $263.43 price target, though technical indicators show near-term pressure.
The outlook is supported by steady waste-service demand and sustainability investments, but high debt levels and valuation concerns pose risks. CEO transition adds uncertainty, while institutional buying signals confidence. Upside exists if execution aligns with analyst targets, but investors should weigh premium valuation against growth sustainability.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Palo Alto Networks is a pure-play cybersecurity vendor that sells security appliances, subscriptions, and support into enterprises, government entities, and service providers. The company's product portfolio includes firewall appliances, virtual firewalls, endpoint protection, cloud security, and cybersecurity analytics. The Santa Clara, California, firm was established in 2005 and sells its products worldwide.
Read more on PANW →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 →