Verizon Communications Inc vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Verizon Communications Inc trades at $50.07 (market cap $206.66B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217 (market cap $86.51B). The key difference: Verizon Communications Inc is far larger — about 2.4× Waste Management, Inc.'s market cap, and Verizon Communications Inc pays the higher dividend (5.69%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| VZ | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $206.66B | $86.51B |
Volume | 22,584,735 | — |
Sector | Media | Industrials |
52-Week High | $51.38 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $38.40 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $393.36B | $109.31B |
Dividend Yield | 5.69% | 1.75% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Verizon (VZ) trades at $50.41, up 0.54% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong quarterly earnings beats. The stock offers a high dividend yield above 5%, supported by robust cash flow growth, with net cash flow reaching $14.86 billion in 2025. Recent news highlights expansion in broadband and AI infrastructure, including a multi-billion dollar fiber deal with Corning announced September 8, 2026.
Outlook is positive due to cost discipline, raised guidance, and shareholder returns, but risks include high debt levels and competitive pressures. Analysts are mostly neutral with a consensus price target of $49.69, slightly below the current price, suggesting limited near-term upside despite solid fundamentals.
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
Latest headlines on both assets
Verizon Communications Inc. is an integrated telecommunications company that provides wire line voice and data services, wireless services, Internet services, and published directory information. The Company also provides network services for the federal government including business phone lines, data services, telecommunications equipment, and payphones.
Read more on VZ →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 →