Alcoa (AA) vs Century Aluminum (CENX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Century Aluminum (CENX) has outperformed Alcoa (AA) over the past year, gaining 28.3% versus a gain of 19.6%. Over five years, CENX leads with a +108.9% price change compared with -24.1% for AA. Alcoa is the larger company by market cap ($11.21 billion vs $3.57 billion), about 3.1 times the size, while Century Aluminum is growing revenue faster (+13.9% vs +7.9%).
On valuation, Century Aluminum trades at a lower forward P/E (3.1x vs 7.4x for Alcoa). Alcoa pays a dividend yielding 0.94%, while Century Aluminum does not currently pay one. Alcoa converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 9.0% versus 1.7%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AA | CENX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $42.48 | $36.03 |
| Market cap | $11.21B | $3.57B |
| 1-day change | -1.60% | -3.09% |
| YTD return | -20.06% | -8.04% |
| 1-year return | +19.56% | +28.27% |
| 5-year return | -24.14% | +108.87% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 8.83 | 6.42 |
| Forward P/E | 7.35 | 3.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.81 | $5.61 |
| Dividend yield | 0.94% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.40 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $12.83B | $2.53B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.87% | +13.85% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.16B | $41.80M |
| Gross margin | 16.94% | 10.14% |
| Operating margin | — | 6.25% |
| Net margin | 9.02% | 1.65% |
| 52-week high | $84.38 | $70.43 |
| 52-week low | $35.01 | $25.40 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -49.66% | -48.84% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +46.49% | +84.57% |
| Average volume | 4.61M | 1.88M |
| Shares outstanding | 263.91M | 98.99M |
| Employees | 14,900 | 2,906 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Alcoa is about 3.1 times larger than Century Aluminum by market value ($11.21B vs $3.57B).
- Alcoa trades at a higher earnings multiple (8.8x vs 6.4x trailing P/E).
- Alcoa is more profitable, keeping 9.0 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.7 cents for Century Aluminum.
- Century Aluminum grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+13.85% vs +7.87%).
About Alcoa
AA stock →Alcoa Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum production, and energy generation business in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Spain, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Alumina and Aluminum.
Industrials · Aluminum · 14,900 employees
About Century Aluminum
CENX stock →Century Aluminum Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces primary aluminum and alumina in the United States and Iceland. The company engages in the production of standard-grade and value-added primary aluminum products.
Industrials · Aluminum · 2,906 employees
AA vs CENX FAQ
Which is bigger, Alcoa or Century Aluminum?
Alcoa (AA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $11.21B compared with $3.57B for Century Aluminum (CENX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AA or CENX?
CENX returned +28.27% over the past 12 months, compared with +19.56% for AA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AA or CENX?
CENX has the lower trailing P/E at 6.4, versus 8.8 for AA. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Alcoa or Century Aluminum?
Alcoa pays a dividend yielding 0.94%, while Century Aluminum does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Alcoa and Century Aluminum in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Aluminum industry within the Industrials sector.