Century Aluminum Company (CENX) vs United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. (USLM)
A side-by-side comparison of Century Aluminum Company and United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. 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.
CENX
Century Aluminum Company
$36.94Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Oct 5, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
USLM
United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.
$110.78Basic MaterialsDelayed quote: Oct 5, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CENX vs USLM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCENX +427.0% (+18.1%/yr)USLM +794.4% (+24.5%/yr)USLM compounded faster over this window
CENX USLM
CENX vs USLM: by the numbers
- •CENX is the larger company ($3.66B vs $3.18B market cap).
- •CENX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (6.39 vs 23.72 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •USLM converts more revenue to profit (35.66% vs 22.63% net margin).
- •USLM grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.51% vs 8.75% CAGR).
- •USLM pays a dividend (0.22% yield), while CENX is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CENX | USLM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 6.39 | 23.72 |
| Forward P/E | 3.69 | 21.98 |
| PEG ratio | N/A | 0.66 |
| P/S ratio | 1.37 | 8.43 |
| P/B ratio | 2.61 | 4.57 |
| EV / EBITDA | 7.79 | 15.05 |
| FCF yield | 4.14% | 2.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | CENX | USLM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 10.14% | 48.46% |
| Operating margin | 6.25% | 42.11% |
| Net margin | 22.63% | 35.66% |
| ROE | 43.01% | 19.32% |
| ROIC | 16.66% | 16.98% |
Dividends
| Metric | CENX | USLM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 0.22% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 5.14% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CENX | USLM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.75% | 16.51% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 36.22% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 21.62% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 20.37% | 36.71% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CENX or USLM?
- CENX has the lower trailing P/E: CENX trades at 6.39 and USLM at 23.72. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CENX or USLM?
- Over the past five years, USLM grew revenue faster — CENX at a 8.75% CAGR versus USLM at 16.51%.
- Does CENX or USLM pay a bigger dividend?
- USLM pays a dividend (0.22% yield), while CENX is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is CENX or USLM more profitable?
- USLM runs the higher net margin — CENX at 22.63% versus USLM at 35.66%.
- How have CENX and USLM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CENX delivered 17.80% and USLM delivered 24.24% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Century Aluminum P/E ratioUnited States Lime & Minerals P/E ratioUnited States Lime & Minerals dividend yieldCentury Aluminum ROEUnited States Lime & Minerals ROECentury Aluminum operating marginUnited States Lime & Minerals operating marginCentury Aluminum revenue growthUnited States Lime & Minerals revenue growthCentury Aluminum free cash flowUnited States Lime & Minerals free cash flow
Century Aluminum & United States Lime & Minerals appear in these rankings
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.