Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) vs Vulcan Materials Company (VMC)

MLM leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. and Vulcan Materials Company 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 VMC

growth of $100 · last 30y
MLM +2438.0%VMC +1473.2%MLM compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,538$1,573
MLM VMC

MLM vs VMC: by the numbers

  • VMC is the larger company ($39.30B vs $36.58B market cap).
  • MLM trades at the lower earnings multiple (14.52 vs 36.01 P/E).
  • MLM converts more revenue to profit (38.67% vs 13.88% net margin).
  • VMC grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.56% vs 6.63% CAGR).
  • VMC pays the higher dividend yield (0.67% vs 0.55%).

Which is better, MLM or VMC?

Metric tally: MLM 9 · VMC 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMLM(lower P/E)
GrowthVMC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeVMC(higher dividend yield)
QualityVMC(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMLMVMC
P/E ratio14.5236.01
Forward P/E26.7827.94
P/S ratio5.614.96
P/B ratio3.264.73
PEG ratio1.411.90
EV / EBITDA19.7617.31
FCF yield2.81%2.79%

Profitability

MetricMLMVMC
Gross margin29.56%27.61%
Operating margin22.74%20.62%
Net margin38.67%13.88%
ROE22.43%13.22%
ROIC6.87%8.02%

Dividends

MetricMLMVMC
Dividend yield0.55%0.67%
Payout ratio17.61%24.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMLMVMC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.63%10.56%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.27%13.07%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.09%5.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.38%13.70%

Frequently asked

Which is better, MLM or VMC?
It depends on your goal. value: MLM (lower P/E); growth: VMC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: VMC (higher dividend yield); quality: VMC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, MLM leads 9 to 7.
Is MLM or VMC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MLM is cheaper: MLM trades at a 14.52 P/E and VMC at 36.01.
Which has grown faster, MLM or VMC?
Over the past five years, VMC grew revenue faster — MLM at a 6.63% CAGR versus VMC at 10.56%.
Does MLM or VMC pay a bigger dividend?
MLM yields 0.55% and VMC yields 0.67% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MLM or VMC more profitable?
MLM runs the higher net margin — MLM at 38.67% versus VMC at 13.88%.
Which has been the better investment, MLM or VMC?
Over the past 10-year, MLM delivered the higher annualized total return — MLM at 13.64% versus VMC at 11.21%. 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.