Quick verdict: AA vs CDE in 2026

Overall, Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) appears to have a stronger edge compared to Alcoa Corporation (AA) based on several key metrics for 2026. CDE stands out as the growth leader, boasting significantly higher revenue growth and superior profit margins. On the other hand, AA emerges as the value leader with more favorable P/E and P/B ratios, and also offers a minimal dividend yield. CDE is the clear margin leader and is also the analyst favorite, showing greater consensus target upside. Not investment advice.

AA vs CDE: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of AA and CDE across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-04-09.

AA vs CDE valuation comparison

When comparing AA vs CDE valuation, Alcoa Corporation (AA) generally presents itself as the more attractively valued option based on traditional multiples. AA has a P/E ratio of 16.71x, which is notably lower than Coeur Mining (CDE) at 20.78x. Similarly, AA’s P/B ratio stands at 3.13x, considerably below CDE’s 3.67x. These metrics suggest that investors are paying less for AA’s earnings and book value compared to CDE.

However, the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models for both companies indicate significant overvaluation. AA’s DCF suggests a potential downside of -69.3% from its current price, while CDE’s DCF points to an even more substantial downside of -169.8%. While both valuations highlight a potential disconnect between intrinsic value and market price, AA’s DCF suggests a less severe overvaluation compared to CDE. Investors focused on traditional value metrics might find AA’s current pricing more appealing in this AA vs CDE valuation analysis, despite the concerning DCF signals for both.

AA vs CDE growth comparison

In terms of growth, Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) demonstrates significantly stronger momentum compared to Alcoa Corporation (AA). CDE reported an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of +96.4%, indicating a robust expansion phase and capturing substantial market demand. This contrasts sharply with AA’s more modest revenue growth of +4.5% over the same period, suggesting a slower pace of expansion for the larger aluminum producer.

Beyond top-line growth, CDE also exhibits superior efficiency in converting revenue into profit, with a net margin of 28.3% and an EBITDA margin of 48.03%. AA, while profitable, lags with a net margin of 9.01% and an EBITDA margin of 14.64%. These strong margins for CDE, combined with its explosive revenue growth, indicate that the company is not only growing rapidly but also doing so very profitably. While specific forward revenue estimates are not provided, CDE’s positive analyst price target upside of +23.1% further reinforces expectations of continued strong performance, marking it as the leader in the AA vs CDE growth comparison.

AA vs CDE profitability

When assessing AA vs CDE profitability, Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) stands out as significantly more efficient and lucrative than Alcoa Corporation (AA). CDE boasts a net margin of 28.3%, indicating that a much larger portion of its revenue is converted into net profit. This is substantially higher than AA’s net margin of 9.01%, which suggests CDE operates with greater cost efficiency or benefits from higher-value product segments.

Furthermore, CDE’s EBITDA margin of 48.03% far surpasses AA’s 14.64%, highlighting CDE’s superior operational profitability before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. This strong EBITDA margin suggests CDE has excellent control over its core business expenses. Regarding cash generation, CDE’s Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 5.41% is also superior to AA’s 2.92%, demonstrating that CDE generates more cash relative to its market capitalization. Although Return on Equity (ROE) is N/A% for both companies, the clear advantage in net margin, EBITDA margin, and FCF yield firmly positions CDE as the more profitable entity, illustrating its ability to generate greater returns from its operations and convert those into available cash.

Analyst ratings: AA vs CDE

The analyst community shows a generally positive sentiment for both Alcoa Corporation (AA) and Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE), with both holding a “Buy” consensus rating. However, a deeper look reveals a more optimistic outlook for CDE. Among the 42 analysts covering AA, 50.0% recommend a “Buy,” with a consensus target price of $53.2. This target, unfortunately, implies a significant downside of -27.7% from AA’s current price of $73.5401, suggesting analysts believe the stock is currently overvalued despite the “Buy” consensus.

In contrast, Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) is covered by 21 analysts, with a slightly higher percentage, 52.4%, recommending a “Buy.” More importantly, the consensus price target for CDE is $23.6, which represents a substantial upside of +23.1% from its current price of $19.175. This positive target upside indicates that analysts see considerable room for growth and price appreciation for CDE. While both companies have a “Buy” consensus, the positive price target upside for CDE suggests analysts generally prefer CDE for its potential for future gains, providing a clearer indication of which stock they believe offers a better return proposition.

Should I buy AA or CDE stock in 2026?

When considering should I buy AA or CDE stock in 2026, the decision largely depends on an investor’s specific objectives and risk tolerance. For investors prioritizing high growth, Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) presents a compelling case. Its remarkable year-over-year revenue growth of +96.4% far outpaces AA’s 4.5%, signaling strong operational momentum. Coupled with significantly higher net margins (28.3% vs. 9.01%) and EBITDA margins (48.03% vs. 14.64%), CDE demonstrates superior profitability and efficiency, suggesting it is a better fit for those seeking dynamic expansion and robust earnings potential.

For value-oriented investors, Alcoa Corporation (AA) appears to offer a more attractive entry point based on traditional valuation multiples. AA’s P/E ratio of 16.71x and P/B ratio of 3.13x are both lower than CDE’s 20.78x and 3.67x, respectively, indicating that AA is currently valued more favorably relative to its earnings and assets. While the DCF analyses show both stocks are significantly overvalued, AA’s estimated downside of -69.3% is less severe than CDE’s -169.8%, which might be a consideration for those focused on minimizing potential overpayment.

Regarding income generation, AA offers a very modest dividend yield of 0.01%, whereas CDE currently provides no dividend (0%). For investors seeking any form of regular income, AA would be the choice, although its yield is almost negligible. Ultimately, if growth and strong profitability are paramount, CDE holds the edge. If a lower valuation based on traditional multiples is preferred, AA might be considered. This is not investment advice; always conduct your own thorough research.

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