Caterpillar Inc vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $914.3 (market cap $429.89B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $151.92 (market cap $11.57B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 37.2× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Caterpillar Inc pays the higher dividend (0.7%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $429.89B | $11.57B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $404.64 | $110.89 |
Enterprise Value | $468.88B | $13.14B |
Dividend Yield | 0.7% | 0.53% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $931.47, down 2.2% on the day, but has gained 51% year-to-date, driven by strong earnings beats and AI-related infrastructure demand. The stock shows a bullish moving average signal but neutral overall technicals, with support near $922. Revenue reached $67.59 billion in 2025, with a net income margin of 13.33%, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 46.48 appear elevated. Recent news highlights its role in the AI data center boom, with the Power & Energy segment seeing significant backlog growth.
The outlook remains positive given analyst consensus and AI-driven tailwinds, but high valuation and exposure to economic cycles pose risks. With 55% of analysts rating it a Buy and a consensus price target of $1,030, upside potential exists, though investors should weigh margin pressures and debt levels against growth catalysts from data center and infrastructure spending.
WMS trades at $147.62, down 1.89% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong fundamentals including a 24.02% ROE and consistent earnings beats. Recent news includes a dividend increase and investor day, while cash flow dipped in 2025 but is projected to recover. The stock shows robust profitability with a 13.98% net margin and trades below the consensus price target of $184.43.
Outlook is positive with analyst support and operational strength, but risks include a high P/E of 27.09 and mixed sentiment from recent Strong Sell ratings. Upside potential exists if earnings momentum continues, though investors should monitor debt levels and competitive pressures in the water management sector.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →