Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) vs Nucor Corporation (NUE)

A side-by-side comparison of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. and Nucor Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnFCX vs NUE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
FCX +642.9% (+22.2%/yr)NUE +604.0% (+21.6%/yr)FCX compounded faster over this window
0200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$743$704
FCX NUE

FCX vs NUE: by the numbers

  • FCX is the larger company ($99.71B vs $58.94B market cap).
  • NUE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.64 vs 34.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FCX converts more revenue to profit (11.38% vs 7.99% net margin).
  • NUE grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.36% vs 7.30% CAGR).
  • NUE pays the higher dividend yield (0.86% vs 0.84%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFCXNUE
P/E ratio34.0020.64
Forward P/E23.5413.72
P/S ratio3.851.63
P/B ratio4.962.67
EV / EBITDA11.7111.37
FCF yield1.87%2.69%

Profitability

MetricFCXNUE
Gross margin26.85%15.47%
Operating margin26.70%11.47%
Net margin11.38%7.99%
ROE14.65%13.04%
ROIC8.80%10.13%

Dividends

MetricFCXNUE
Dividend yield0.84%0.86%
Payout ratio29.41%17.78%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFCXNUE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.30%10.36%
EPS CAGR (5Y)30.14%26.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.08%-0.04%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.50%20.00%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FCX or NUE?
NUE has the lower trailing P/E: FCX trades at 34.00 and NUE at 20.64. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FCX or NUE?
Over the past five years, NUE grew revenue faster — FCX at a 7.30% CAGR versus NUE at 10.36%.
Does FCX or NUE pay a bigger dividend?
FCX yields 0.84% and NUE yields 0.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FCX or NUE more profitable?
FCX runs the higher net margin — FCX at 11.38% versus NUE at 7.99%.
How have FCX and NUE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FCX delivered 22.61% and NUE delivered 21.26% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.