Palo Alto Networks Inc vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Palo Alto Networks Inc trades at $335.38 (market cap $278.85B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $236.38 (market cap $93.64B). The key difference: Palo Alto Networks Inc is far larger — about 3× Waste Management, Inc.'s market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays a 1.52% dividend while Palo Alto Networks Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PANW | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $278.85B | $93.64B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $358.68 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $141.67 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $277.81B | $116.37B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.52% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) trades at $342.15, down 4.61% today, yet maintains a bullish technical trend with strong analyst support. Recent earnings consistently beat expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.85 surpassing the $0.793 estimate. The company shows robust revenue growth, reaching $9.22B in 2025, and positive cash flow trends, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 303.18 remain elevated. News highlights focus on AI-driven cybersecurity demand and strategic acquisitions, such as the intent to enhance its observability platform announced on July 21, 2026.
Outlook is positive due to strong market positioning in cybersecurity and AI integration, but high valuations and competitive pressures pose risks. Investment opportunity lies in sustained earnings growth and sector tailwinds, while investors should monitor execution on guidance and margin sustainability.
WM (Waste Management) trades at $233.18, down 2.56% on the day, but remains near its 52-week high of $248.13. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with strong moving averages, while fundamentals reveal steady revenue growth to $25.20 billion in 2025 and a robust 10.99% net income margin. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, though Q3 and Q4 2025 results missed. Analyst sentiment is positive with a consensus buy rating and $263.57 price target, supported by a reliable dividend and strong cash flow from operations of $6.04 billion.
Outlook: WM's dominant market position, pricing power, and renewable energy initiatives support long-term growth, but high debt levels and competitive pressures pose risks. The stock offers value for income and growth investors, with potential upside to analyst targets if execution remains solid amid economic uncertainties.
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 →