Waste Management, Inc. vs Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund — how do they compare? Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217.2 (market cap $87.05B), while Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund trades at $83.31. The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. pays a 1.74% dividend while Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund pays none, and Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund is trading nearer its 52-week high, Waste Management, Inc. nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| WM | XLP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $87.05B | — |
Sector | Industrials | — |
52-Week High | $246.51 | $90.00 |
52-Week Low | $196.77 | $75.61 |
Enterprise Value | $109.85B | — |
Dividend Yield | 1.74% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
XLP (Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF) trades at $84.02, down 0.66% on the day amid broader market volatility. The technical picture shows bearish momentum with selling pressure outweighing buying signals 14 to 6, though oscillators suggest potential stabilization. Analyst consensus remains strongly positive with 100% buy ratings, highlighting XLP's defensive characteristics during economic uncertainty. Recent news emphasizes the fund's appeal as a safe haven with its 2.6% dividend yield and exposure to stable consumer staples companies.
XLP offers defensive exposure to essential consumer goods companies, providing stability during market turbulence. The fund's low 0.08% expense ratio and consistent dividend payments support its appeal for risk-averse investors. However, limited growth potential compared to cyclical sectors and sensitivity to consumer spending trends present ongoing challenges for significant price appreciation.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →In seeking to track the performance of the index, the fund employs a replication strategy. It generally invests substantially all, but at least 95%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index. The index includes companies that have been identified as Consumer Staples companies by the GICS®. It is non-diversified.
Read more on XLP →