Century Aluminum Company (CENX) vs Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (KALU)

A side-by-side comparison of Century Aluminum Company and Kaiser Aluminum Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Total return — CENX vs KALU

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CENX +427.0% (+18.1%/yr)KALU +163.3% (+10.2%/yr)CENX compounded faster over this window
02004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$527$263
CENX KALU

CENX vs KALU: by the numbers

  • •CENX is the larger company ($3.67B vs $2.51B market cap).
  • •CENX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (6.41 vs 11.40 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •CENX converts more revenue to profit (22.63% vs 5.49% net margin).
  • •KALU grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.03% vs 8.75% CAGR).
  • •KALU pays a dividend (1.98% yield), while CENX is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCENXKALU
P/E ratio6.4111.40
Forward P/E3.7010.93
PEG ratioN/A0.38
P/S ratio1.370.61
P/B ratio2.612.66
EV / EBITDA7.817.60
FCF yield4.12%3.46%

Profitability

MetricCENXKALU
Gross margin10.14%11.55%
Operating margin6.25%8.24%
Net margin22.63%5.49%
ROE43.01%24.05%
ROIC16.66%11.37%

Dividends

MetricCENXKALU
Dividend yieldN/A1.98%
Payout ratioN/A22.83%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCENXKALU
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.75%21.03%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A30.77%
Total return CAGR (5Y)20.37%10.44%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CENX or KALU?
CENX has the lower trailing P/E: CENX trades at 6.41 and KALU at 11.40. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CENX or KALU?
Over the past five years, KALU grew revenue faster — CENX at a 8.75% CAGR versus KALU at 21.03%.
Does CENX or KALU pay a bigger dividend?
KALU pays a dividend (1.98% yield), while CENX is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is CENX or KALU more profitable?
CENX runs the higher net margin — CENX at 22.63% versus KALU at 5.49%.
How have CENX and KALU total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CENX delivered 17.80% and KALU delivered 9.72% 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 October 6, 2026.