Wendys Co vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Wendys Co trades at $6.14 (market cap $1.19B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $208.75 (market cap $83.98B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 70.6× Wendys Co's market cap, and Wendys Co pays the higher dividend (4.49%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Wendys Co for 77 Days and Waste Management, Inc. for 130 Days on average.
| WEN | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $1.19B | $83.98B |
Volume | 5,622,905 | 2,182,180 |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $9.33 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $6.10 | $196.77 |
Typical Hold Time | 77 Days | 130 Days |
Enterprise Value | $4.92B | $106.78B |
Dividend Yield | 4.49% | 1.8% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Wendy's stock (WEN) trades at $6.11, down 0.81% on the day, reflecting ongoing pressure from declining sales and a major franchisee bankruptcy. The stock shows bearish technical signals with oversold RSI readings, while fundamentals reveal a low P/E of 9.45 and strong ROE of 108.04%, but net income margins have fallen to 5.72%. Recent news highlights competitive struggles and store closures, though the company continues to beat earnings expectations.
The outlook remains cautious due to operational headwinds and high debt, but the current valuation may appeal to value investors. Risks include franchisee instability and intense competition. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $7.58 price target, suggesting limited upside from current levels amid uncertain recovery prospects.
WM trades at $208.94, up 0.51% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including 11.12% net income margin and 29.83% ROE. Recent earnings show beats in Q1 and Q2 2026, while Q4 2025 missed estimates. Revenue grew to $25.20B in 2025, and cash flow from operations remains robust at $6.04B. Analyst sentiment is positive with 54% buy ratings and no sell recommendations.
The outlook is supported by steady revenue growth and high profitability, but risks include elevated debt levels and competitive pressures. The stock's valuation at a P/E of 29.72 may limit near-term upside, though institutional backing and dividend payments provide stability. Investors should weigh solid cash generation against debt concerns and market volatility.
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The Wendy's Company is the second-largest burger quick-service restaurant, or QSR, chain in the United States by systemwide sales, with $11.1 billion in 2021, narrowly edging Burger King ($10.3 billion) and clocking in well behind wide-moat McDonald's ($45.7 billion). After divestitures of Tim Hortons (2006) and Arby's (2011), the firm manages just the burger banner, generating sales across a footprint that spans almost 7,000 total units in 30 countries. Wendy's generates revenue from the sale of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and fries throughout its company-owned footprint, through franchise royalty and marketing fund payments remitted by its franchisees, which account for 94% of stores, and through franchise flipping and advisory fees.
Read more on WEN →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 →