Alcoa Corporation (AA) vs CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF)

A side-by-side comparison of Alcoa Corporation and CF Industries Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 19, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAA vs CF

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AA +135.2% (+8.9%/yr)CF +544.4% (+20.5%/yr)CF compounded faster over this window
0200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$235$644
AA CF

AA vs CF: by the numbers

  • CF is the larger company ($18.29B vs $13.60B market cap).
  • CF trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.82 vs 10.50 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CF converts more revenue to profit (27.12% vs 9.39% net margin).
  • CF grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.04% vs 5.06% CAGR).
  • CF pays the higher dividend yield (1.68% vs 0.78%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAACF
P/E ratio10.508.82
Forward P/E7.867.14
P/S ratio1.002.37
P/B ratio1.843.19
EV / EBITDA8.315.07
FCF yield2.59%10.43%

Profitability

MetricAACF
Gross margin18.79%42.54%
Operating margin7.96%38.12%
Net margin9.39%27.12%
ROE17.33%36.52%
ROIC8.32%16.58%

Dividends

MetricAACF
Dividend yield0.78%1.68%
Payout ratio8.95%22.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAACF
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.06%11.04%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A43.52%
FCF CAGR (5Y)17.20%17.64%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.98%24.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AA or CF?
CF has the lower trailing P/E: AA trades at 10.50 and CF at 8.82. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AA or CF?
Over the past five years, CF grew revenue faster — AA at a 5.06% CAGR versus CF at 11.04%.
Does AA or CF pay a bigger dividend?
AA yields 0.78% and CF yields 1.68% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AA or CF more profitable?
CF runs the higher net margin — AA at 9.39% versus CF at 27.12%.
How have AA and CF total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AA delivered 8.95% and CF delivered 21.01% 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 19, 2026.