Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) vs Proto Labs (PRLB)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) has outperformed Proto Labs (PRLB) over the past year, gaining 96.8% versus a gain of 87.3%. Over five years, PRLB leads with a +31.7% price change compared with +30.1% for KALU. Kaiser Aluminum is the larger company by market cap ($2.49 billion vs $2.23 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Kaiser Aluminum trades at a lower forward P/E (13.1x vs 39.1x for Proto Labs). Kaiser Aluminum pays a dividend yielding 2.02%, while Proto Labs does not currently pay one.
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 | PRLB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $152.24 | $93.27 |
| Market cap | $2.49B | $2.23B |
| 1-day change | -0.99% | -4.12% |
| YTD return | +32.54% | +84.36% |
| 1-year return | +96.79% | +87.25% |
| 5-year return | +30.12% | +31.70% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 11.29 | 74.02 |
| Forward P/E | 13.14 | 39.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $13.48 | $1.26 |
| Dividend yield | 2.02% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.08 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.37B | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +11.54% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $112.50M | — |
| Gross margin | 13.12% | — |
| Operating margin | 5.60% | — |
| Net margin | 3.34% | — |
| 52-week high | $199.89 | $99.96 |
| 52-week low | $76.46 | $45.10 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -23.84% | -6.69% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +10.52% | +2.39% |
| Average volume | 242.26K | 208.80K |
| Shares outstanding | 16.35M | 23.92M |
| Employees | 3,800 | 2,280 |
| 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
- Proto Labs trades at a higher earnings multiple (74.0x vs 11.3x trailing P/E).
- Kaiser Aluminum offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.02% vs 0.00%).
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 Proto Labs
PRLB stock →Proto Labs, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital manufacturer of custom parts in the United States and Europe. It offers manufacturing services, such as molding, computer numerical control machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal to developers, engineers, and supply chain teams.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 2,280 employees
KALU vs PRLB FAQ
Which is bigger, Kaiser Aluminum or Proto Labs?
Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.49B compared with $2.23B for Proto Labs (PRLB).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KALU or PRLB?
KALU returned +96.79% over the past 12 months, compared with +87.25% for PRLB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KALU or PRLB?
KALU has the lower trailing P/E at 11.3, versus 74.0 for PRLB. 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 Proto Labs?
Kaiser Aluminum pays a dividend yielding 2.02%, while Proto Labs does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Kaiser Aluminum and Proto Labs in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Metal Fabrications industry within the Industrials sector.