W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) vs Republic Services, Inc. (RSG)

RSG leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Republic Services, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 28, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — GWW vs RSG

growth of $100 · last 28y
GWW +2544.3%RSG +1172.9%GWW compounded faster
01k2kStart $10020032008201320182023$2,644$1,273
GWW RSG

GWW vs RSG: by the numbers

  • RSG is the larger company ($66.58B vs $63.91B market cap).
  • RSG trades at the lower earnings multiple (31.05 vs 36.39 P/E).
  • RSG converts more revenue to profit (12.99% vs 9.70% net margin).
  • RSG grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.37% vs 9.12% CAGR).
  • RSG pays the higher dividend yield (1.16% vs 0.74%).

Which is better, GWW or RSG?

Metric tally: GWW 6 · RSG 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueRSG(lower P/E)
GrowthRSG(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeRSG(higher dividend yield)
QualityGWW(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGWWRSG
P/E ratio36.3931.05
Forward P/E29.6726.83
P/S ratio3.494.01
P/B ratio16.335.58
PEG ratio1.645.58
EV / EBITDA23.0712.69
FCF yield2.15%3.88%

Profitability

MetricGWWRSG
Gross margin39.15%39.07%
Operating margin14.23%20.05%
Net margin9.70%12.99%
ROE45.34%18.11%
ROIC27.73%8.83%

Dividends

MetricGWWRSG
Dividend yield0.74%1.16%
Payout ratio28.08%36.44%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGWWRSG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.12%10.37%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.25%17.76%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.67%13.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)26.31%16.21%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GWW or RSG?
It depends on your goal. value: RSG (lower P/E); growth: RSG (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: RSG (higher dividend yield); quality: GWW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, RSG leads 10 to 6.
Is GWW or RSG cheaper?
On trailing earnings, RSG is cheaper: GWW trades at a 36.39 P/E and RSG at 31.05.
Which has grown faster, GWW or RSG?
Over the past five years, RSG grew revenue faster — GWW at a 9.12% CAGR versus RSG at 10.37%.
Does GWW or RSG pay a bigger dividend?
GWW yields 0.74% and RSG yields 1.16% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GWW or RSG more profitable?
RSG runs the higher net margin — GWW at 9.70% versus RSG at 12.99%.
Which has been the better investment, GWW or RSG?
Over the past 10-year, GWW delivered the higher annualized total return — GWW at 21.89% versus RSG at 17.77%. 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 June 28, 2026.