Unilever plc vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Unilever plc trades at $62.03 (market cap $136.96B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $131.83 (market cap $10.08B). The key difference: Unilever plc is far larger — about 13.6× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Unilever plc pays the higher dividend (3.34%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| UL | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $136.96B | $10.08B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $74.59 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $55.05 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $162.94B | $11.68B |
Dividend Yield | 3.34% | 0.6% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Unilever (UL) trades at $63.54, down 1.03% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. Recent earnings misses contrast with strong profitability, including a net income margin of 18.32% and ROE of 54.57% for 2025. The company reported its strongest quarterly volume growth in over a decade in Q2 2026, raising its full-year outlook, while strategic shifts include focusing on beauty and personal care and a planned $65 billion merger with McCormick.
The outlook is mixed: robust fundamentals and strategic refocusing support long-term growth, particularly in emerging markets, but consistent earnings misses and a high P/E ratio of 21.46 pose valuation concerns. Risks include integration challenges from the McCormick deal and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is divided, with 24% buy ratings, highlighting cautious optimism amid execution uncertainties.
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
Unilever is a diversified personal product (42% of 2021 sales by value), home care (20%), and packaged food (38%) company. Its brands include Knorr soups and sauces, Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton teas, Axe and Dove skin products, and the TRESemme haircare brand. The firm has been acquisitive in recent years
Read more on UL →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 →