Waste Management, Inc. vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Waste Management, Inc. trades at $226 (market cap $90.58B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $143.7 (market cap $10.68B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 8.5× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| WM | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $90.58B | $10.68B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $246.51 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $196.77 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $113.37B | $12.29B |
Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 0.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
WM trades at $227.68, down 0.58% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages and oversold RSI levels. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.02, beating estimates, with revenue growth to $25.2 billion in 2025. Valuation ratios are elevated, with a P/E of 59.96 and P/S of 16.1, reflecting premium pricing. Recent news highlights margin gains and institutional activity, including Bank of America reducing holdings by 6.1% in Q1 2026 (Defense World, 2026-08-01).
The outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $263.43, implying 15.7% upside, driven by pricing discipline and technology investments. Risks include high debt levels, with a debt-to-asset ratio of 53.62% in 2024, and softer volume trends. Earnings momentum from recent beats supports growth, but margin pressures and economic sensitivity could limit gains.
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
Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →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 →