Caterpillar Inc vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $844.8 (market cap $385.01B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $143.7 (market cap $10.68B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 36× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Caterpillar Inc pays the higher dividend (0.78%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $385.01B | $10.68B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $407.79 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $423.45B | $12.29B |
Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 0.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $843.37, up 0.14% on the day, with strong year-to-date performance driven by robust earnings beats and AI data center demand. The stock shows a bearish technical signal but maintains solid fundamentals, including a net income margin of 14.51% and ROE of 56.99%. Recent news highlights growth from power and energy segments, with a dividend increase expected in June 2026.
Outlook remains positive due to earnings momentum and infrastructure tailwinds, though elevated valuation ratios like a P/E of 36.07 pose risks. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $1,010 price target, but investors should monitor economic cycles and competitive pressures that could impact future performance.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $143.95, down 3.03% on the day, with a neutral technical signal. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.49 per share, beating estimates, and maintains solid profitability with a 14% net income margin and 24.9% ROE. Recent news highlights Q1 fiscal 2027 sales growth of 21% and consistent dividend payments, though cash flow turned negative in 2025 due to increased investing activity.
The outlook is mixed; analyst consensus is a Buy with a $185.86 price target, but near-term risks include volatile cash flows and high valuation multiples. Upside potential hinges on execution of growth initiatives and infrastructure demand, while margin pressure and economic sensitivity pose challenges.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Caterpillar Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets construction, mining, and forestry machinery. The Company also manufactures engines and other related parts for its equipment, and offers financing and insurance. Caterpillar distributes its products through a worldwide organization of dealers.
Read more on CAT →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →