Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) vs MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS (MWA)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) has outperformed MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS (MWA) over the past year, gaining 82.5% versus a loss of 13.8%. Over five years, MWA leads with a +35.5% price change compared with +28.0% for KALU. MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS is the larger company by market cap ($3.38 billion vs $2.48 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while Kaiser Aluminum is growing revenue faster (+11.5% vs +8.7%).
On valuation, Kaiser Aluminum trades at a lower forward P/E (13.1x vs 13.7x for MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS). Kaiser Aluminum offers the higher dividend yield (2.03% vs 1.28%). MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.4% versus 3.3%.
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 | KALU | MWA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $151.51 | $21.67 |
| Market cap | $2.48B | $3.38B |
| 1-day change | +1.18% | +0.51% |
| YTD return | +30.37% | -9.03% |
| 1-year return | +82.48% | -13.80% |
| 5-year return | +27.98% | +35.51% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 11.11 | 15.26 |
| Forward P/E | 13.08 | 13.66 |
| EPS (TTM) | $13.64 | $1.42 |
| Dividend yield | 2.03% | 1.28% |
| Annual dividend | $3.08 | $0.277 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.37B | $1.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +11.54% | +8.75% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $112.50M | $191.70M |
| Gross margin | 13.12% | 36.14% |
| Operating margin | 5.60% | 18.23% |
| Net margin | 3.34% | 13.41% |
| 52-week high | $199.89 | $31.00 |
| 52-week low | $76.46 | $20.90 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -24.20% | -30.10% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +11.05% | +32.30% |
| Average volume | 240.13K | 1.25M |
| Shares outstanding | 16.35M | 156.13M |
| Employees | 3,800 | 3,500 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Metal Fabrications | Metal Fabrications |
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
- KALU has outperformed MWA by 96.3 percentage points over the past year.
- MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS trades at a higher earnings multiple (15.3x vs 11.1x trailing P/E).
- MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS is more profitable, keeping 13.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 3.3 cents for Kaiser Aluminum.
About Kaiser Aluminum
KALU stock →Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells semi-fabricated specialty aluminum mill products. It offers flat-rolled plate, sheet, and coil; extruded rod, bar, hollows, and shapes; drawn rod, bar, pipe, tube, and wire; and cast aluminum products.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 3,800 employees
About MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS
MWA stock →Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services for the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water used by municipalities, and the residential and non-residential construction industries in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 3,500 employees
KALU vs MWA FAQ
Which is bigger, Kaiser Aluminum or MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS?
MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS (MWA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.38B compared with $2.48B for Kaiser Aluminum (KALU).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KALU or MWA?
KALU returned +82.48% over the past 12 months, compared with -13.80% for MWA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KALU or MWA?
KALU has the lower trailing P/E at 11.1, versus 15.3 for MWA. 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, Kaiser Aluminum or MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS?
Kaiser Aluminum has the higher yield at 2.03%, compared with 1.28% for MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS.
Are Kaiser Aluminum and MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Metal Fabrications industry within the Industrials sector.