NRG Energy Inc vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? NRG Energy Inc trades at $116.5 (market cap $25.15B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $131.83 (market cap $10.08B). The key difference: NRG Energy Inc is far larger — about 2.5× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and NRG Energy Inc pays the higher dividend (1.59%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NRG | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $25.15B | $10.08B |
Sector | Utilities | Industrials |
52-Week High | $184.03 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $109.51 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $49.10B | $11.68B |
Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 0.6% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
NRG Energy trades at $119.64, up 0.52% with a bullish technical signal despite recent earnings misses. The stock shows strong profitability metrics including 26.77% ROE and 2.56% net margin, supported by $30.71B revenue in 2025. Recent developments include a transformative 1.2 GW Texas data-center power project and LS Power acquisition, driving long-term growth expectations. Cash flow trends show volatility with 2025 net cash flow of $3.83B followed by projected 2026 outflow of -$264M.
Wall Street maintains strong bullish sentiment with 69% buy ratings and $201.29 consensus target, representing 68% upside. Key risks include rising interest costs impacting earnings, elevated debt levels at 56.42% debt-to-asset ratio, and execution challenges with major capital projects. The data center expansion strategy offers significant growth potential but requires careful monitoring of capex and leverage management.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $133.67, down 1.54% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $2.49 exceeding the $2.10 forecast. Revenue for 2025 was $2.90 billion, with a net income margin of 15.5%. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $188.20 price target, though technical indicators show selling pressure. Recent news highlights institutional buying and strong Q1 2027 results.
The outlook for WMS is mixed; strong fundamentals and analyst optimism contrast with near-term technical weakness. Investment opportunities include market share gains and acquisition synergies, while risks involve cyclical construction exposure and rising investing cash outflows. The stock's current price offers a potential upside to the consensus target, but investors should weigh execution risks against growth prospects.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
NRG Energy is one of the largest retail energy providers in the U.S., with 7 million customers, including its 2021 acquisition of Direct Energy. It also is one of the largest U.S. independent power producers, with 16 gigawatts of nuclear, coal, gas, and oil power generation capacity primarily in Texas. Since 2018, NRG has divested its 47% stake in NRG Yield, among other renewable energy and conventional generation investments. NRG exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a stand-alone entity in December 2003.
Read more on NRG →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 →