Waste Management, Inc. vs Xylem, Inc. — how do they compare? Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217.2 (market cap $86.51B), while Xylem, Inc. trades at $107.8 (market cap $25.13B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 3.4× Xylem, Inc.'s market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.75%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| WM | XYL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $86.51B | $25.13B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $246.51 | $152.95 |
52-Week Low | $196.77 | $105.69 |
Enterprise Value | $109.31B | $26.91B |
Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.6% |
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.
Xylem (XYL) trades at $108.81, up 2.95% in the last session, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.46 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth has been steady, rising from $5.5B in 2022 to $9.0B in 2025, while net income margins improved to 10.59%. Recent corporate actions include a dividend declaration and strategic acquisitions to bolster its industrial presence.
The outlook for XYL is positive based on earnings momentum and strategic initiatives, though technical indicators suggest near-term caution. Upside potential is supported by a consensus price target of $152.29, implying significant appreciation. Risks include execution of recent acquisitions and macroeconomic pressures on industrial demand. The stock presents a compelling opportunity for long-term investors focused on water infrastructure growth.
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 →Xylem is a global leader in water technology and offers a wide range of solutions, including the transport, treatment, testing, and efficient use of water for customers in the utility, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Xylem was spun off from ITT in 2011. Based in Rye Brook, New York, Xylem has a presence in over 150 countries and employs 16,200. The company generated $6.2 billion in revenue and $611 million in adjusted operating income in 2021.
Read more on XYL →