Ryanair Holdings plc vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Ryanair Holdings plc trades at $54.25 (market cap $27.58B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217.2 (market cap $87.05B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 3.2× Ryanair Holdings plc's market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.74%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| RYAAY | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $27.58B | $87.05B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $73.82 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $53.24 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $24.53B | $109.85B |
Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 1.74% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
RYAAY trades at $54.37, down 1.79% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 earnings, missing EPS estimates but showing strong revenue growth trends. Recent news highlights operational challenges including traffic outlook reductions and cost pressures from unhedged fuel. Cash flow remains positive from operations but net cash flow turned negative in 2025 and 2026 projections.
The outlook is cautious due to near-term headwinds from fuel costs and competitive pricing, but long-term fundamentals remain solid with attractive valuation multiples. Investment opportunity exists for value-oriented investors given low P/E of 13.09 and strong profitability metrics. Key risks include oil price volatility and winter capacity constraints affecting profitability.
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
Ryanair is the leading airline group by passenger numbers in Europe. The company employs a low-cost no-frills model to offer low fares to leisure customers on short-haul intra-European routes. In 2020, the most recent pre-pandemic fiscal year, the company carried 149 million passengers, utilizing a fleet of 467 Boeing 737 aircraft across its 1,800 routes. To keep costs low the company serves predominantly lower-cost secondary airports. The company generated sales of EUR 8.5 billion in fiscal 2020.
Read more on RYAAY →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 →