Ferguson plc (FERG) vs Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN)

A side-by-side comparison of Ferguson plc and Waste Connections, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnFERG vs WCN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
FERG +420.6% (+17.9%/yr)WCN +247.6% (+13.3%/yr)FERG compounded faster over this window
100200300400500600Start $10020182020202220242026$521$348
FERG WCN

FERG vs WCN: by the numbers

  • FERG is the larger company ($45.24B vs $41.76B market cap).
  • FERG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.32 vs 40.12 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • WCN converts more revenue to profit (10.86% vs 6.39% net margin).
  • WCN grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.38% vs -17.70% CAGR).
  • FERG pays the higher dividend yield (1.88% vs 0.85%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFERGWCN
P/E ratio22.3240.12
Forward P/E20.5228.92
P/S ratio1.424.33
P/B ratio7.305.35
EV / EBITDA15.7317.57
FCF yield2.79%4.28%

Profitability

MetricFERGWCN
Gross margin30.55%39.22%
Operating margin9.01%17.09%
Net margin6.39%10.86%
ROE32.88%13.44%
ROIC16.51%6.63%

Dividends

MetricFERGWCN
Dividend yield1.88%0.85%
Payout ratio127.62%33.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFERGWCN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-17.70%11.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.59%39.97%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-15.02%16.32%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.90%6.06%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FERG or WCN?
FERG has the lower trailing P/E: FERG trades at 22.32 and WCN at 40.12. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FERG or WCN?
Over the past five years, WCN grew revenue faster — FERG at a -17.70% CAGR versus WCN at 11.38%.
Does FERG or WCN pay a bigger dividend?
FERG yields 1.88% and WCN yields 0.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FERG or WCN more profitable?
WCN runs the higher net margin — FERG at 6.39% versus WCN at 10.86%.
How have FERG and WCN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FERG delivered 17.93% and WCN delivered 13.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 28, 2026.