MediaAlpha, Inc. (MAX) P/E Ratio History
Historical price-to-earnings valuation from 2020 to 2026
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MAX Valuation Context
How does the current P/E compare to historical and market benchmarks?
P/E Ratio Analysis
As of May 6, 2026, MediaAlpha, Inc. (MAX) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.0x, with a stock price of $8.97 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $0.70.
The current P/E is 25% below its 5-year average of 30.5x. Over the past five years, MAX's P/E has ranged from a low of 2.6x to a high of 110.1x, placing the current valuation at the 50th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Communication Services sector median P/E of 15.5x, MAX trades at a 48% premium to its sector peers. The sector includes 109 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.1x to 187.4x.
Relative to the broader market, MAX trades roughly in line with the S&P 500 median P/E of 25.2x. 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 MAX 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.
MAX P/E vs Peers
P/E ratio compared to closely matched public peers
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $742M | 161.3 | - | +114% | |
| $4B | 40.4 | 1.14Best | -10% | |
| $226M | 4.6Lowest | 4.50 | +49% | |
| $4.8T | 36.5 | 1.23 | +34% | |
| $1.6T | 26.1 | 1.42 | -2% | |
| $11B | 26.4 | 2.00 | +17% | |
| $2B | 14.1 | - | +494%Best | |
| $2B | 37.2 | 2.04 | -6% |
Peers sorted by market capitalization. P/E below peers may indicate undervaluation or lower growth expectations. Consider PEG ratio for growth-adjusted comparison.
MAX Historical P/E Data (2020–2026)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Date | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q1 | $9.30 | $0.64 | 14.5x | -52% | |
| FY2025 Q4 | Wed Dec 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $12.95 | $0.40 | 32.8x | +8% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mon Mar 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $9.24 | $0.29 | 32.2x | +6% |
| FY2024 Q4 | $11.29 | $0.30 | 37.8x | +24% | |
| FY2024 Q3 | Mon Sep 30 2024 00:00:00 GM | $18.11 | $0.16 | 110.1x | +261% |
| FY2021 Q2 | Wed Jun 30 2021 00:00:00 GM | $42.10 | $3.84 | 11.0x | -64% |
| FY2021 Q1 | Wed Mar 31 2021 00:00:00 GM | $35.43 | $13.85 | 2.6x | -92% |
| FY2020 Q4 | $39.07 | $14.12 | 2.8x | -91% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 30.5x
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Start ComparisonMAX — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying MAX stock.
Is MAX stock overvalued or undervalued?
MAX trades at 23.0x P/E, below its 5-year average of 30.5x. At the 50th percentile of historical range, the stock is priced at a discount to its own history.
How does MAX's valuation compare to peers?
MediaAlpha, Inc. P/E of 23.0x compares to sector median of 15.5x. The premium reflects expected growth above peers.
What is MAX's PEG ratio?
MAX PEG ratio is N/A. Above 2.0 indicates premium valuation relative to growth rate. Historical P/E data spans 2020-2026.