CLF vs. WLK: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at CLF and WLK, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
| Symbol | CLF | WLK |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. | Westlake Corporation |
| Country | United States | United States |
| GICS Sector | Materials | Materials |
| GICS Industry | Metals & Mining | Chemicals |
| Market Capitalization | 6.88 billion USD | 10.56 billion USD |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
| Listing Date | February 21, 1973 | August 12, 2004 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | Common Stock |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of CLF and WLK by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | CLF | WLK |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | 9.45% | 3.13% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 57.06% | -3.65% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 91.46% | -12.60% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 7.09% | -43.40% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 13.93% | 6.89% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 47.87% | -28.16% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 31.16M | 1.08M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 28.41M | 1.22M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 56.43% | 48.85% |
| Beta | 1.98 | 0.96 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
CLF
-26.06%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 41.55%
- Q3
- 17.74%
- Median
- 9.00%
- Q1
- 1.65%
- Min
- -21.32%
CLF has a negative Return on Equity of -26.06%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
WLK
-0.64%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 29.52%
- Q3
- 13.18%
- Median
- 6.53%
- Q1
- 1.35%
- Min
- -11.86%
WLK has a negative Return on Equity of -0.64%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
CLF
-9.03%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 43.69%
- Q3
- 19.12%
- Median
- 6.48%
- Q1
- 1.50%
- Min
- -20.21%
CLF has a negative Net Profit Margin of -9.03%, indicating the company is operating at a net loss as its expenses exceeded its revenues.
WLK
-0.57%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 20.20%
- Q3
- 9.15%
- Median
- 3.94%
- Q1
- 0.60%
- Min
- -10.43%
WLK has a negative Net Profit Margin of -0.57%, indicating the company is operating at a net loss as its expenses exceeded its revenues.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
CLF
-9.54%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 71.84%
- Q3
- 32.31%
- Median
- 12.50%
- Q1
- 2.69%
- Min
- -23.81%
CLF has a negative Operating Profit Margin of -9.54%. This signifies the company is unprofitable at the operational level, as its core business expenses exceed its revenue.
WLK
0.89%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 27.33%
- Q3
- 13.82%
- Median
- 7.98%
- Q1
- 3.60%
- Min
- -7.61%
WLK’s Operating Profit Margin of 0.89% is in the lower quartile for the Chemicals industry. This indicates weaker profitability from core operations, which may stem from inefficiencies or competitive pressures on pricing.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | CLF | WLK |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | -26.06% | -0.64% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | -8.44% | -0.32% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | -9.03% | -0.57% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | -9.54% | 0.89% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | -5.29% | 11.20% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
CLF
2.04
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 5.27
- Q3
- 3.04
- Median
- 1.96
- Q1
- 1.42
- Min
- 0.13
CLF’s Current Ratio of 2.04 aligns with the median group of the Metals & Mining industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
WLK
2.47
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 3.72
- Q3
- 2.38
- Median
- 1.69
- Q1
- 1.42
- Min
- 0.75
WLK’s Current Ratio of 2.47 is in the upper quartile for the Chemicals industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
CLF
1.33
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 1.10
- Q3
- 0.51
- Median
- 0.33
- Q1
- 0.09
- Min
- 0.00
With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 1.33, CLF operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Metals & Mining industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.
WLK
0.46
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 1.53
- Q3
- 1.00
- Median
- 0.69
- Q1
- 0.41
- Min
- 0.00
WLK’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.46 is typical for the Chemicals industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
CLF
-1.55
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 51.62
- Q3
- 22.73
- Median
- 5.76
- Q1
- 0.82
- Min
- -21.72
CLF has a negative Interest Coverage Ratio of -1.55. This indicates that its earnings were insufficient to cover even its operational costs, let alone its interest payments, signaling significant financial distress.
WLK
157.33
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 56.43
- Q3
- 26.33
- Median
- 8.84
- Q1
- 2.54
- Min
- -9.39
With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 157.33, WLK demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Chemicals industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | CLF | WLK |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 2.04 | 2.47 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 0.61 | 1.71 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 1.33 | 0.46 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | -1.55 | 157.33 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
CLF
0.00%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 8.17%
- Q3
- 3.57%
- Median
- 1.25%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
CLF currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
WLK
2.65%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 6.59%
- Q3
- 3.67%
- Median
- 2.44%
- Q1
- 1.36%
- Min
- 0.00%
WLK’s Dividend Yield of 2.65% is consistent with its peers in the Chemicals industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
CLF
0.00%
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 138.08%
- Q3
- 62.06%
- Median
- 33.17%
- Q1
- 10.41%
- Min
- 0.00%
CLF has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
WLK
43.85%
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 192.00%
- Q3
- 108.95%
- Median
- 57.38%
- Q1
- 27.28%
- Min
- 0.00%
WLK’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 43.85% is within the typical range for the Chemicals industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | CLF | WLK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.00% | 2.65% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 0.00% | 43.85% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
CLF
--
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 83.04
- Q3
- 41.69
- Median
- 20.30
- Q1
- 12.95
- Min
- 1.75
P/E Ratio data for CLF is currently unavailable.
WLK
--
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 49.43
- Q3
- 32.03
- Median
- 21.32
- Q1
- 14.93
- Min
- 8.66
P/E Ratio data for WLK is currently unavailable.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
CLF
0.37
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 9.28
- Q3
- 4.28
- Median
- 2.37
- Q1
- 0.86
- Min
- 0.16
In the lower quartile for the Metals & Mining industry, CLF’s P/S Ratio of 0.37 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
WLK
0.87
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 3.90
- Q3
- 2.23
- Median
- 1.00
- Q1
- 0.55
- Min
- 0.15
WLK’s P/S Ratio of 0.87 aligns with the market consensus for the Chemicals industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
CLF
0.65
Metals & Mining Industry
- Max
- 4.68
- Q3
- 2.45
- Median
- 1.55
- Q1
- 0.94
- Min
- 0.34
CLF’s P/B Ratio of 0.65 is in the lower quartile for the Metals & Mining industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
WLK
0.95
Chemicals Industry
- Max
- 5.01
- Q3
- 2.59
- Median
- 1.50
- Q1
- 0.95
- Min
- 0.30
WLK’s P/B Ratio of 0.95 is in the lower quartile for the Chemicals industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | CLF | WLK |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | -- | -- |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 0.37 | 0.87 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 0.65 | 0.95 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 4.75 | 24.90 |