Mueller Industries (MLI) vs RBC Bearings (RBC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
RBC Bearings (RBC) has outperformed Mueller Industries (MLI) over the past year, gaining 34.1% versus a gain of 20.6%. Over five years, MLI leads with a +455.5% price change compared with +125.9% for RBC. RBC Bearings is the larger company by market cap ($15.54 billion vs $13.38 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, Mueller Industries trades at a lower forward P/E (13.8x vs 29.5x for RBC Bearings). Mueller Industries pays a dividend yielding 0.99%, while RBC Bearings does not currently pay one. Mueller Industries converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 18.3% versus 15.4%.
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 | MLI | RBC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $60.49 | $490.99 |
| Market cap | $13.38B | $15.54B |
| 1-day change | +0.45% | -1.95% |
| YTD return | +5.38% | +11.66% |
| 1-year return | +20.63% | +34.08% |
| 5-year return | +455.54% | +125.91% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 15.67 | 48.52 |
| Forward P/E | 13.81 | 29.50 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.86 | $10.12 |
| Dividend yield | 0.99% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.60 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.18B | $1.87B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.87% | +14.34% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $765.19M | $287.60M |
| Gross margin | 29.02% | 44.37% |
| Operating margin | 22.94% | 22.50% |
| Net margin | 18.31% | 15.37% |
| 52-week high | $71.12 | $667.69 |
| 52-week low | $48.27 | $364.50 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.95% | -26.46% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +32.25% | +27.52% |
| Average volume | 1.51M | 267.85K |
| Shares outstanding | 221.18M | 31.66M |
| Employees | 4,832 | 5,816 |
| 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
- RBC has outperformed MLI by 13.4 percentage points over the past year.
- RBC Bearings trades at a higher earnings multiple (48.5x vs 15.7x trailing P/E).
About Mueller Industries
MLI stock →Mueller Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells copper, brass, and aluminum products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Asia and the Middle East, and Mexico.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 4,832 employees
About RBC Bearings
RBC stock →RBC Bearings Incorporated manufactures and markets engineered precision bearings, components, and systems in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Aerospace/Defense and Industrial.
Industrials · Metal Fabrications · 5,816 employees
MLI vs RBC FAQ
Which is bigger, Mueller Industries or RBC Bearings?
RBC Bearings (RBC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $15.54B compared with $13.38B for Mueller Industries (MLI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MLI or RBC?
RBC returned +34.08% over the past 12 months, compared with +20.63% for MLI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MLI or RBC?
MLI has the lower trailing P/E at 15.7, versus 48.5 for RBC. 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, Mueller Industries or RBC Bearings?
Mueller Industries pays a dividend yielding 0.99%, while RBC Bearings does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Mueller Industries and RBC Bearings in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Metal Fabrications industry within the Industrials sector.