Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) vs Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (RS)

RS leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics, though MLM is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. and Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 9, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — MLM vs RS

growth of $100 · last 30y
MLM +2238.0%RS +4866.3%RS compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,338$4,966
MLM RS

MLM vs RS: by the numbers

  • MLM is the larger company ($34.34B vs $19.22B market cap).
  • MLM trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.58 vs 24.93 P/E).
  • MLM converts more revenue to profit (38.67% vs 5.43% net margin).
  • RS grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.33% vs 6.63% CAGR).
  • RS pays the higher dividend yield (1.31% vs 0.58%).

Which is better, MLM or RS?

Metric tally: MLM 6 · RS 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMLM(lower P/E)
GrowthRS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeRS(higher dividend yield)
QualityRS(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMLMRS
P/E ratio13.5824.93
Forward P/E29.7119.04
P/S ratio5.251.34
P/B ratio3.052.79
PEG ratio1.321.27
EV / EBITDA18.6215.51
FCF yield3.00%3.08%

Profitability

MetricMLMRS
Gross margin29.56%27.22%
Operating margin22.74%7.52%
Net margin38.67%5.43%
ROE22.43%11.32%
ROIC6.87%8.16%

Dividends

MetricMLMRS
Dividend yield0.58%1.31%
Payout ratio17.61%35.54%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMLMRS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.63%10.33%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.27%19.64%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.09%-9.42%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.85%22.77%

Frequently asked

Which is better, MLM or RS?
It depends on your goal. value: MLM (lower P/E); growth: RS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: RS (higher dividend yield); quality: RS (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, RS leads 11 to 6.
Is MLM or RS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MLM is cheaper: MLM trades at a 13.58 P/E and RS at 24.93.
Which has grown faster, MLM or RS?
Over the past five years, RS grew revenue faster — MLM at a 6.63% CAGR versus RS at 10.33%.
Does MLM or RS pay a bigger dividend?
MLM yields 0.58% and RS yields 1.31% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MLM or RS more profitable?
MLM runs the higher net margin — MLM at 38.67% versus RS at 5.43%.
Which has been the better investment, MLM or RS?
Over the past 10-year, RS delivered the higher annualized total return — MLM at 12.06% versus RS at 19.20%. 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 9, 2026.