Verizon Communications Inc vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Verizon Communications Inc trades at $46.95 (market cap $196.40B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $226.84 (market cap $90.68B). The key difference: Verizon Communications Inc is far larger — about 2.2× Waste Management, Inc.'s market cap, and Verizon Communications Inc pays the higher dividend (5.99%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| VZ | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $196.40B | $90.68B |
Volume | 22,584,735 | — |
Sector | Media | Industrials |
52-Week High | $51.38 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $38.40 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $383.10B | $113.47B |
Dividend Yield | 5.99% | 1.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Verizon (VZ) trades at $46.93, down slightly by 0.21% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company shows stable fundamentals with $138.19B in 2025 revenue and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Recent news highlights network expansion initiatives and strategic partnerships, including a fiber deal with Alphabet. Cash flow improved significantly in 2025 with $14.86B net cash flow, though debt levels remain elevated at $121.38B long-term.
VZ presents a value opportunity with a P/E of 12.31 below sector average and strong dividend yield. Analyst consensus targets $49.69 with 36.7% buy ratings, though competition from SpaceX's Starlink and high debt pose risks. The stock's current price near support at $47 suggests limited downside if technical levels hold.
WM trades at $226.19, down 0.18% today, with a neutral technical signal and strong fundamentals. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates at $2.02 per share, driven by pricing discipline and margin gains. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $25.20 billion, though net income margin dipped to 10.74%. The stock shows a bullish analyst consensus with a $263.43 price target, supported by 20 buy ratings and no sell recommendations. Institutional activity includes mixed trades, such as Bank of America reducing holdings by 6.1% in Q1 2026 (SEC filing, 2026-08-01).
Outlook remains positive due to consistent earnings beats and operational efficiency, but risks include high valuation ratios like a P/E of 59.74 and rising debt levels, with total liabilities at $36.31 billion in 2024. Investors should weigh growth potential against margin pressures and macroeconomic headwinds affecting waste volumes.
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 →