3M Company (MMM) vs Waste Management, Inc. (WM)
A side-by-side comparison of 3M Company and Waste Management, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MMM
3M Company
$169.50IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WM
Waste Management, Inc.
$206.83IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MMM vs WM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMMM +67.9% (+5.3%/yr)WM +301.6% (+14.9%/yr)WM compounded faster over this window
MMM WM
MMM vs WM: by the numbers
- •MMM is the larger company ($87.41B vs $82.67B market cap).
- •WM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.30 vs 30.11 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MMM converts more revenue to profit (11.90% vs 11.12% net margin).
- •WM grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.22% vs -6.23% CAGR).
- •MMM pays the higher dividend yield (1.86% vs 1.64%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MMM | WM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 30.11 | 29.30 |
| Forward P/E | 18.95 | 25.50 |
| P/S ratio | 3.47 | 3.22 |
| P/B ratio | 29.61 | 8.33 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 13.58 |
| FCF yield | 4.56% | 4.32% |
Profitability
| Metric | MMM | WM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 39.40% | 35.04% |
| Operating margin | 19.01% | 18.54% |
| Net margin | 11.90% | 11.12% |
| ROE | 101.52% | 28.74% |
| ROIC | 14.64% | 9.01% |
Dividends
| Metric | MMM | WM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.86% | 1.64% |
| Payout ratio | 54.53% | 50.14% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MMM | WM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | -6.23% | 9.22% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -8.53% | 13.68% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.85% | 7.05% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.48% | 8.67% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MMM or WM?
- WM has the lower trailing P/E: MMM trades at 30.11 and WM at 29.30. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MMM or WM?
- Over the past five years, WM grew revenue faster — MMM at a -6.23% CAGR versus WM at 9.22%.
- Does MMM or WM pay a bigger dividend?
- MMM yields 1.86% and WM yields 1.64% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MMM or WM more profitable?
- MMM runs the higher net margin — MMM at 11.90% versus WM at 11.12%.
- How have MMM and WM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MMM delivered 5.07% and WM delivered 15.17% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
3M P/E ratioWaste Management P/E ratio3M dividend yieldWaste Management dividend yield3M ROEWaste Management ROE3M operating marginWaste Management operating margin3M revenue growthWaste Management revenue growth3M free cash flowWaste Management free cash flow
3M & Waste Management appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.