Vistra Corp vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Vistra Corp trades at $146.49 (market cap $48.64B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $227.36 (market cap $90.68B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| VST | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $48.64B | $90.68B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $217.92 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $134.71 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $70.58B | $113.47B |
Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
VST trades at $147.54, up 3.27% today, with strong analyst support (90.9% buy ratings) and a $239.75 consensus price target suggesting 62% upside. Recent Q2 2026 earnings showed mixed results with an EPS miss but 30% EBITDA growth to $1.77 billion, driven by data center demand. Technical indicators are bearish with support at $141, while fundamentals show robust profitability (11.55% net margin) offset by high valuation multiples (P/E 24.44).
The outlook remains positive given Vistra's positioning in the AI-powered data center boom, though risks include ERCOT pricing volatility and hedging losses. With institutional ownership stable and dividend payments consistent, the stock offers growth exposure to electricity demand trends, but investors should monitor execution on 2026 guidance and competitive pressures in the utility sector.
WM trades at $227.2, up 0.26% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.02, beating estimates, and maintains robust profitability with a net income margin of 11.12%. Revenue growth is steady, reaching $25.20B in 2025, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 59.74 appear elevated. Recent news highlights institutional trading activity and earnings focus on pricing discipline.
The outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $263.43, implying 16% upside, supported by 57% buy ratings. Risks include high debt levels and sensitivity to economic cycles, but consistent cash flow generation and margin gains provide a solid foundation for long-term investors.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Vistra is a leading integrated retail electricity and power generation company that serves as a critical infrastructure provider for the digital economy. It operates a diversified portfolio of zero-carbon nuclear and renewable assets alongside a massive, flexible natural gas fleet, positioning it as an indispensable partner for energy-intensive AI data centers and industrial electrification.
Read more on VST →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 →