Waste Management, Inc. vs Yum China Holdings Inc — how do they compare? Waste Management, Inc. trades at $217.2 (market cap $87.05B), while Yum China Holdings Inc trades at $42.34 (market cap $14.74B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 5.9× Yum China Holdings Inc's market cap, and Yum China Holdings Inc pays the higher dividend (2.68%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| WM | YUMC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $87.05B | $14.74B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $246.51 | $57.95 |
52-Week Low | $196.77 | $40.18 |
Enterprise Value | $109.85B | $15.65B |
Dividend Yield | 1.74% | 2.68% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
WM trades at $217.78, down 0.55% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 earnings, beating EPS estimates but missing Q4 2025. Revenue grew to $25.20B in 2025, with strong profitability margins. Analysts maintain a buy consensus with a $263.43 price target, though technical indicators show near-term pressure.
The outlook is supported by steady waste-service demand and sustainability investments, but high debt levels and valuation concerns pose risks. CEO transition adds uncertainty, while institutional buying signals confidence. Upside exists if execution aligns with analyst targets, but investors should weigh premium valuation against growth sustainability.
YUMC trades at $43.34, down 0.6% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company shows steady revenue growth, reaching $11.8B in 2025, with a net income margin of 7.84%. Recent developments include the acquisition of Pizza Hut brand ownership in Mainland China and expansion of Pizza Hut Burger Bars to 300 locations.
The outlook is positive with strong analyst support—14 buy ratings and a projected 25.6% upside. Risks include competitive pressures and market volatility, but solid fundamentals and growth initiatives provide a compelling case for long-term investors.
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 →With almost 10,600 units and USD 9.5 billion in systemwide sales in 2020, Yum China is the largest restaurant chain in China. It generates revenue through its own restaurants and franchise fees. Key concepts include KFC (7,166 units) and Pizza Hut (2,355), but the company's portfolio also includes other brands such as Little Sheep, East Dawning, Taco Bell, Huang Ji Huang, COFFii & Joy, and Lavazza (collectively representing about 985 units). Yum China is a trademark licensee of Yum Brands, paying 3% of total systemwide sales to the company it separated from in October 2016.
Read more on YUMC →