Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF trades at $95.14, while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217.2 (market cap $87.05B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. pays a 1.74% dividend while Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF pays none, and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, Waste Management, Inc. nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| VNQ | WM | |
|---|---|---|
52-Week High | $100.95 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $87.00 | $196.77 |
Market Cap | — | $87.05B |
Sector | — | Industrials |
Enterprise Value | — | $109.85B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.74% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
VNQ trades at $95.92, down 0.1% on the day, with technical indicators showing a bearish trend as moving averages signal selling pressure while oscillators remain neutral. The ETF faces headwinds from elevated interest rates impacting real estate valuations, though some analysts see mispricing opportunities in quality REITs during this downturn. Recent institutional selling activity and mixed media sentiment reflect ongoing sector challenges.
The outlook remains cautious as high rates pressure REIT valuations, but selective opportunities exist in digital infrastructure and quality names. Key risks include prolonged high interest rates, economic slowdowns affecting property demand, and competition from alternative income ETFs. Investors should focus on REITs with strong fundamentals and growth potential in evolving sectors like AI infrastructure.
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
The fund employs an indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index, an index made up of stocks of large, mid-size, and small US companies within the real estate sector. The Advisor attempts to replicate the target index by seeking to invest all of its assets in the stocks that make up the index, in order to hold each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the index. It is non-diversified.
Read more on VNQ →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 →