CSX Corporation (CSX) vs Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM)

CSX leads on 10 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CSX Corporation and Howmet Aerospace Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnCSX vs HWM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CSX +3400.8%HWM +1672.8%CSX compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,501$1,773
CSX HWM

CSX vs HWM: by the numbers

  • HWM is the larger company ($108.82B vs $93.11B market cap).
  • CSX trades at the lower earnings multiple (30.74 vs 63.21 P/E).
  • CSX converts more revenue to profit (21.55% vs 20.22% net margin).
  • HWM grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.27% vs 6.07% CAGR).
  • CSX pays the higher dividend yield (1.08% vs 0.18%).

Which is better, CSX or HWM?

Metric tally: CSX 10 · HWM 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueCSX(lower P/E)
GrowthHWM(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCSX(higher dividend yield)
QualityHWM(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSXHWM
P/E ratio30.7463.21
Forward P/E25.6153.79
P/S ratio6.5912.73
P/B ratio6.8719.88
PEG ratio6.001.73
EV / EBITDA17.4441.79
FCF yield4.42%1.31%

Profitability

MetricCSXHWM
Gross margin37.54%32.56%
Operating margin33.45%27.75%
Net margin21.55%20.22%
ROE22.47%31.58%
ROIC8.40%18.19%

Dividends

MetricCSXHWM
Dividend yield1.08%0.18%
Payout ratio35.06%12.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSXHWM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.07%12.27%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.12%50.70%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-8.29%103.64%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.45%53.92%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CSX or HWM?
It depends on your goal. value: CSX (lower P/E); growth: HWM (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CSX (higher dividend yield); quality: HWM (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CSX leads 10 to 7.
Is CSX or HWM cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CSX is cheaper: CSX trades at a 30.74 P/E and HWM at 63.21.
Which has grown faster, CSX or HWM?
Over the past five years, HWM grew revenue faster — CSX at a 6.07% CAGR versus HWM at 12.27%.
Does CSX or HWM pay a bigger dividend?
CSX yields 1.08% and HWM yields 0.18% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CSX or HWM more profitable?
CSX runs the higher net margin — CSX at 21.55% versus HWM at 20.22%.
Which has been the better investment, CSX or HWM?
Over the past 10-year, HWM delivered the higher annualized total return — CSX at 19.71% versus HWM at 28.65%. 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 July 20, 2026.