Century Aluminum Company (CENX) P/E Ratio History
ExpensiveTrading at 107.8x vs 5Y avg 23.2x · 100th percentile · Material premium to history · Data 1996–2026
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P/E Ratio Analysis
As of July 8, 2026, Century Aluminum Company (CENX) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 107.8x, with a stock price of $45.28 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $3.34.
The current P/E is 365% above its 5-year average of 23.2x. Over the past five years, CENX's P/E has ranged from a low of 3.4x to a high of 98.2x, placing the current valuation at the 100th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Basic Materials sector median P/E of 21.2x, CENX trades at a 410% premium to its sector peers. The sector includes 124 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.9x to 153.5x.
Relative to the broader market, CENX commands a significant premium over the S&P 500 median P/E of 25.9x. Investors should consider the company's growth prospects, competitive position, and earnings quality when evaluating whether the current valuation is justified.
For a comprehensive intrinsic value estimate using discounted cash flow analysis, see our CENX DCF Valuation Calculator →
Note: P/E ratio is just one valuation metric. It does not account for balance sheet strength, cash flow quality, or growth sustainability. Always conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
CENX Cross-Benchmark Valuation
How does the current P/E compare to sector peers and the broader market?
CENX P/E vs Peers
Primary Aluminum Smelters peers sorted by market cap
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13B | 11.0Lowest | - | +1486%Best | |
| $3B | 25.2 | 0.84Best | +136% | |
| $4B | 15.5 | - | +419% | |
| $105B | 14.8 | 1.16 | +124% | |
| $85B | 39.0 | 1.30 | +17% | |
| $7B | 83.2 | - | -82% | |
| $19B | 27.1 | 1.37 | -10% | |
| $52B | 30.2 | 1.16 | -11% | |
| $32B | 27.8 | 1.10 | -19% |
Lower P/E can signal a discount or weaker growth expectations; PEG adds growth context.
CENX Historical P/E Data (1996–2026)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Period End | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q1 | - | $58.69 | $3.34 | 17.6x | -72% |
| FY2025 Q4 | Dec 31 2025 | $39.18 | $0.40 | 98.2x | +58% |
| FY2025 Q3 | - | $29.36 | $0.80 | 36.7x | -41% |
| FY2025 Q2 | Jun 30 2025 | $18.02 | $1.12 | 16.1x | -74% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mar 31 2025 | $18.56 | $1.14 | 16.3x | -74% |
| FY2024 Q4 | - | $18.22 | $3.11 | 5.9x | -91% |
| FY2024 Q3 | Sep 30 2024 | $16.23 | $2.96 | 5.5x | -91% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Jun 30 2024 | $16.75 | $2.05 | 8.2x | -87% |
| FY2024 Q1 | Mar 31 2024 | $15.39 | $2.15 | 7.2x | -88% |
| FY2022 Q3 | Sep 30 2022 | $5.28 | $1.56 | 3.4x | -95% |
| FY2022 Q2 | - | $7.37 | $0.55 | 13.4x | -78% |
| FY2018 Q3 | Sep 30 2018 | $11.97 | $0.34 | 35.6x | -43% |
| FY2018 Q2 | Jun 30 2018 | $15.75 | $0.79 | 20.0x | -68% |
| FY2018 Q1 | Mar 31 2018 | $16.54 | $0.66 | 25.2x | -59% |
| FY2017 Q4 | Dec 31 2017 | $19.64 | $0.49 | 40.1x | -35% |
| FY2015 Q3 | Sep 30 2015 | $4.60 | $0.35 | 13.1x | -79% |
| FY2015 Q2 | - | $10.43 | $1.52 | 6.9x | -89% |
| FY2015 Q1 | - | $13.80 | $2.12 | 6.5x | -90% |
| FY2014 Q4 | Dec 31 2014 | $24.40 | $1.13 | 21.6x | -65% |
| FY2014 Q3 | - | $25.97 | $0.39 | 66.6x | +7% |
| FY2011 Q4 | Dec 31 2011 | $8.51 | $0.07 | 124.6x | +101% |
| FY2011 Q3 | Sep 30 2011 | $8.94 | $1.12 | 8.0x | -87% |
| FY2011 Q2 | - | $15.65 | $1.01 | 15.5x | -75% |
| FY2011 Q1 | - | $18.68 | $0.82 | 22.8x | -63% |
| FY2010 Q4 | Dec 31 2010 | $15.53 | $0.63 | 24.7x | -60% |
| FY2010 Q2 | Jun 30 2010 | $8.83 | $0.30 | 29.4x | -53% |
| FY2007 Q2 | Jun 30 2007 | $54.63 | $1.70 | 32.1x | -48% |
| FY2007 Q1 | Mar 31 2007 | $46.88 | $4.82 | 9.7x | -84% |
| FY2005 Q3 | Sep 30 2005 | $22.48 | $1.48 | 15.2x | -76% |
| FY2005 Q2 | - | $20.40 | $1.59 | 12.8x | -79% |
| FY2005 Q1 | - | $30.26 | $0.95 | 31.9x | -49% |
| FY2004 Q4 | Dec 31 2004 | $26.26 | $0.97 | 27.1x | -56% |
| FY2004 Q3 | - | $27.73 | $0.02 | 1386.5x | +2133% |
| FY2004 Q2 | Jun 30 2004 | $24.79 | $0.28 | 88.5x | +43% |
| FY2003 Q3 | - | $10.71 | $0.16 | 67.0x | +8% |
| FY2003 Q2 | Jun 30 2003 | $7.00 | $0.03 | 233.3x | +276% |
| FY2003 Q1 | Mar 31 2003 | $6.31 | $0.05 | 126.2x | +103% |
| FY2001 Q3 | Sep 30 2001 | $8.01 | $0.43 | 18.4x | -70% |
| FY2001 Q2 | Jun 30 2001 | $16.04 | $0.83 | 19.2x | -69% |
| FY2001 Q1 | Mar 31 2001 | $16.00 | $1.11 | 14.4x | -77% |
| FY2000 Q4 | Dec 31 2000 | $11.38 | $1.24 | 9.2x | -85% |
| FY2000 Q3 | Sep 30 2000 | $12.50 | $0.66 | 18.9x | -70% |
| FY2000 Q2 | Jun 30 2000 | $10.88 | $1.20 | 9.1x | -85% |
| FY2000 Q1 | Mar 31 2000 | $13.75 | $0.61 | 22.5x | -64% |
| FY1999 Q4 | Dec 31 1999 | $15.00 | $0.19 | 78.9x | +27% |
| FY1999 Q3 | - | $10.75 | $0.46 | 23.4x | -62% |
| FY1999 Q1 | Mar 31 1999 | $5.69 | $0.46 | 12.4x | -80% |
| FY1998 Q4 | - | $9.44 | $0.89 | 10.6x | -83% |
| FY1998 Q3 | Sep 30 1998 | $10.75 | $0.78 | 13.8x | -78% |
| FY1998 Q2 | - | $14.75 | $0.52 | 28.4x | -54% |
| FY1998 Q1 | - | $15.00 | $0.26 | 57.7x | -7% |
| FY1997 Q4 | Dec 31 1997 | $13.50 | $0.06 | 225.0x | +262% |
| FY1997 Q3 | - | $17.63 | $0.20 | 88.1x | +42% |
| FY1997 Q2 | Jun 30 1997 | $14.63 | $0.29 | 50.4x | -19% |
| FY1997 Q1 | Mar 31 1997 | $16.88 | $0.47 | 35.9x | -42% |
| FY1996 Q4 | - | $17.25 | $0.78 | 22.1x | -64% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 62.1x
Intrinsic Valuation
DCF models, multiple analysis, and analyst estimates.
Historical Returns
30+ years return with dividends reinvested.
DCA Calculator
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Peer Comparison
Compare growth, multiples, and margins vs sector.
CENX — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CENX stock.
What is CENX's P/E ratio?
Century Aluminum Company (CENX) trailing twelve-month P/E ratio is 107.8x, based on TTM diluted EPS of $3.34. The 5-year average P/E is 23.2x and the historical range spans 3.4x to 98.2x.
Is CENX stock overvalued or undervalued?
CENX trades at 107.8x P/E, above its 5-year average of 23.2x. The 100th percentile ranking within the 3.4x–98.2x historical range indicates a premium to historical valuation.
Is CENX stock expensive?
Yes, CENX is expensive relative to its own history. The current P/E of 107.8x is above the 5-year average of 23.2x and also above the Basic Materials sector median of 21.2x. The stock sits at the 100th percentile of its 5-year valuation range.
What is CENX's historical P/E range?
Over the past 5 years, CENX's P/E ratio has ranged from 3.4x to 98.2x, with a median of 16.3x and an average of 23.2x. The current P/E of 107.8x places the stock at the 100th percentile of this range. Full historical data spans 1996–2026.
How does CENX's P/E compare to the S&P 500?
CENX trades at 107.8x P/E versus the S&P 500 median of 25.9x. The 316% premium to the market typically reflects higher expected earnings growth or quality.
How does CENX's valuation compare to Basic Materials peers?
Century Aluminum Company P/E of 107.8x compares to the Basic Materials sector median of 21.2x. The premium reflects expected growth above peers or stronger fundamentals. See the peer comparison table on this page for ticker-by-ticker P/E and PEG.
What is CENX's PEG ratio?
CENX PEG ratio is N/A, based on a P/E of 107.8x and EPS growth of -87.2%. PEG normalises P/E by growth and helps compare stocks with different earnings trajectories.
What is CENX's earnings yield?
CENX earnings yield is 0.93%, the inverse of its 107.8x P/E ratio. Earnings yield represents the percentage of each dollar invested that the company earns. It can be compared directly to bond yields to assess relative attractiveness of stocks versus fixed income.