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.

Compare

Total return — MMM vs WM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MMM +67.9% (+5.3%/yr)WM +301.6% (+14.9%/yr)WM compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$168$402
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

MetricMMMWM
P/E ratio30.1129.30
Forward P/E18.9525.50
P/S ratio3.473.22
P/B ratio29.618.33
EV / EBITDAN/A13.58
FCF yield4.56%4.32%

Profitability

MetricMMMWM
Gross margin39.40%35.04%
Operating margin19.01%18.54%
Net margin11.90%11.12%
ROE101.52%28.74%
ROIC14.64%9.01%

Dividends

MetricMMMWM
Dividend yield1.86%1.64%
Payout ratio54.53%50.14%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMMMWM
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.

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.