Ralph Lauren Corp vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Ralph Lauren Corp trades at $340.2 (market cap $20.00B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217.2 (market cap $86.51B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 4.3× Ralph Lauren Corp's market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.75%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| RL | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $20.00B | $86.51B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $414.25 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $302.89 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $21.06B | $109.31B |
Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 1.75% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Ralph Lauren (RL) trades at $347.23, down 1.13% with bearish technical signals but strong fundamentals. The stock shows consistent earnings beats with Q2 2026 EPS of $4.59 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth accelerated to $7.08 billion in 2025 with improving profit margins of 11.76%. Analyst consensus remains strongly bullish with 66% buy ratings and a $456.50 price target representing 31% upside potential.
The investment case balances strong brand momentum and financial performance against technical weakness. Upside catalysts include luxury positioning strength and digital growth, while risks include premium valuation and market volatility. The stock presents a compelling opportunity for investors comfortable with near-term technical pressure given the fundamental strength and analyst optimism.
WM trades at $217.78, down 0.55% today, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 earnings, beating EPS estimates at $2.02 versus $1.98 expected, but missed Q4 2025. Revenue grew to $25.20B in 2025, with a net income margin of 11.12%. Recent news highlights CEO transition and strong institutional buying, including a 26,113.1% position increase by California State Teachers Retirement System in Q2 2026.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $263.43, implying 21% upside, supported by steady waste demand and sustainability investments. Risks include high debt levels, with a debt-to-asset ratio of 49.97% in 2025, and valuation concerns at a P/E of 30.8. The stock offers a dividend yield from recent payouts, but investors face execution risks amid leadership changes and economic sensitivity.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Founded by designer Ralph Lauren in 1967, Ralph Lauren Corp. designs, markets, and distributes lifestyle products in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its products include apparel, footwear, eyewear, jewelry, leather goods, home products, and fragrances. The company's brands include Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Double RL. Distribution channels for Ralph Lauren include wholesale (including department stores and specialty stores), retail (including company-owned retail stores and e-commerce), and licensing.
Read more on RL →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 →