Rio Tinto Group (RIO) vs Vale S.A. (VALE)

RIO leads on 12 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Rio Tinto Group and Vale S.A. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 28, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — RIO vs VALE

growth of $100 · last 24y
RIO +361.1%VALE +569.8%VALE compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200620102014201820222026$461$670
RIO VALE

RIO vs VALE: by the numbers

  • RIO is the larger company ($152.24B vs $64.27B market cap).
  • RIO trades at the lower earnings multiple (7.12 vs 22.83 P/E).
  • RIO converts more revenue to profit (19.28% vs 7.06% net margin).
  • RIO grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.92% vs -2.82% CAGR).
  • RIO pays the higher dividend yield (5.42% vs 4.44%).

Which is better, RIO or VALE?

Metric tally: RIO 12 · VALE 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueRIO(lower P/E)
GrowthRIO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeRIO(higher dividend yield)
QualityRIO(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricRIOVALE
P/E ratio7.1222.83
Forward P/E10.767.78
P/S ratio1.381.63
P/B ratio2.471.76
PEG ratio19.77
EV / EBITDA4.065.49
FCF yield7.01%5.20%

Profitability

MetricRIOVALE
Gross margin27.57%34.52%
Operating margin27.10%27.84%
Net margin19.28%7.06%
ROE34.53%7.62%
ROIC9.18%6.85%

Dividends

MetricRIOVALE
Dividend yield5.42%4.44%
Payout ratio82.60%115.24%

Growth (annualized)

MetricRIOVALE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.92%-2.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)0.36%-10.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-11.74%-26.26%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.24%-2.41%

Frequently asked

Which is better, RIO or VALE?
It depends on your goal. value: RIO (lower P/E); growth: RIO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: RIO (higher dividend yield); quality: RIO (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, RIO leads 12 to 4.
Is RIO or VALE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, RIO is cheaper: RIO trades at a 7.12 P/E and VALE at 22.83.
Which has grown faster, RIO or VALE?
Over the past five years, RIO grew revenue faster — RIO at a 4.92% CAGR versus VALE at -2.82%.
Does RIO or VALE pay a bigger dividend?
RIO yields 5.42% and VALE yields 4.44% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is RIO or VALE more profitable?
RIO runs the higher net margin — RIO at 19.28% versus VALE at 7.06%.
Which has been the better investment, RIO or VALE?
Over the past 10-year, RIO delivered the higher annualized total return — RIO at 21.31% versus VALE at 18.28%. 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 28, 2026.