NRG Energy Inc vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? NRG Energy Inc trades at $121.27 (market cap $24.83B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $140.64 (market cap $10.83B). The key difference: NRG Energy Inc is far larger — about 2.3× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and NRG Energy Inc pays the higher dividend (1.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NRG | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $24.83B | $10.83B |
Sector | Utilities | Industrials |
52-Week High | $184.03 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $117.04 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $48.79B | $12.44B |
Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 0.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
NRG Energy trades at $120.97, up 1.73% today, with a bearish technical signal despite oversold RSI levels near support at $119. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $1.49, missing estimates of $1.69, but revenue grew 11% year-over-year, driven by cost controls and a strategic 1.2 GW Texas data-center power project. Fundamentals show a P/E of 30.76 and ROE of 26.77%, though net margin is thin at 2.56%.
Outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is bullish with a $207.83 price target (69% buy ratings), citing growth from data-center demand, but risks include rising interest costs, high leverage (debt-to-assets at 56.42% in 2025), and earnings misses. The stock offers a 1.6% dividend yield, but investors face volatility from execution risks in expansion plans.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $140.13, down 1.09% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company demonstrates strong profitability with a 14% net income margin and 24.9% ROE, supported by recent earnings beats. Revenue for fiscal 2025 was $2.90 billion, with cash flow from operations at $581.49 million. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $185.86 price target, indicating significant upside potential from current levels.
The outlook for WMS is positive based on solid fundamentals and analyst optimism, though near-term technical weakness and competitive pressures pose risks. Investment appeal centers on earnings growth and market leadership in water management solutions, balanced by exposure to construction sector volatility and rising debt levels noted in 2026 projections.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →