United Airlines Holdings Inc vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? United Airlines Holdings Inc trades at $118.05 (market cap $38.15B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $233.17 (market cap $96.00B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 2.5× United Airlines Holdings Inc's market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays a 1.48% dividend while United Airlines Holdings Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| UAL | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $38.15B | $96.00B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $136.11 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $84.57 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $55.18B | $118.73B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.48% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
United Airlines (UAL) trades at $117.68, up 1.97% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.99 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth is robust, reaching $59.07B in 2025, and profitability metrics like a 5.56% net income margin and 23.25% ROE reflect operational strength. Recent news highlights labor agreements and resilient travel demand despite fuel cost pressures.
The outlook for UAL is positive, driven by strong travel demand and premium revenue growth, with a consensus price target of $163.75 implying significant upside. Risks include volatile fuel prices and operational disruptions, but the company's guidance for 2026 EPS of $9–$11 and improving cash flow trends support a favorable investment case for growth-oriented investors.
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
United Airlines is a major U.S. network carrier. United's hubs include San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, and Washington, D.C. United operates a hub-and-spoke system that is more focused on international travel than legacy peers.
Read more on UAL →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 →