Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) vs Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD)

STLD leads on 10 of 17 compared metrics, though MLM is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. and Steel Dynamics, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — MLM vs STLD

growth of $100 · last 30y
MLM +2477.7%STLD +5262.9%STLD compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,578$5,363
MLM STLD

MLM vs STLD: by the numbers

  • MLM is the larger company ($36.58B vs $36.04B market cap).
  • MLM trades at the lower earnings multiple (14.52 vs 26.76 P/E).
  • MLM converts more revenue to profit (38.67% vs 7.22% net margin).
  • STLD grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.46% vs 6.63% CAGR).
  • STLD pays the higher dividend yield (0.81% vs 0.55%).

Which is better, MLM or STLD?

Metric tally: MLM 7 · STLD 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMLM(lower P/E)
GrowthSTLD(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeSTLD(higher dividend yield)
QualitySTLD(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMLMSTLD
P/E ratio14.5226.76
Forward P/E26.7815.72
P/S ratio5.611.90
P/B ratio3.263.95
PEG ratio1.411.06
EV / EBITDA19.7615.66
FCF yield2.81%1.84%

Profitability

MetricMLMSTLD
Gross margin29.56%14.00%
Operating margin22.74%9.41%
Net margin38.67%7.22%
ROE22.43%14.97%
ROIC6.87%8.19%

Dividends

MetricMLMSTLD
Dividend yield0.55%0.81%
Payout ratio17.61%25.31%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMLMSTLD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.63%12.46%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.27%25.18%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.09%19.91%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.38%36.10%

Frequently asked

Which is better, MLM or STLD?
It depends on your goal. value: MLM (lower P/E); growth: STLD (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: STLD (higher dividend yield); quality: STLD (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, STLD leads 10 to 7.
Is MLM or STLD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MLM is cheaper: MLM trades at a 14.52 P/E and STLD at 26.76.
Which has grown faster, MLM or STLD?
Over the past five years, STLD grew revenue faster — MLM at a 6.63% CAGR versus STLD at 12.46%.
Does MLM or STLD pay a bigger dividend?
MLM yields 0.55% and STLD yields 0.81% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MLM or STLD more profitable?
MLM runs the higher net margin — MLM at 38.67% versus STLD at 7.22%.
Which has been the better investment, MLM or STLD?
Over the past 10-year, STLD delivered the higher annualized total return — MLM at 13.64% versus STLD at 28.17%. 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 June 20, 2026.