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

FCX leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics, though NUE is the cheaper stock.

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 June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — FCX vs NUE

growth of $100 · last 30y
FCX +348.6%NUE +1979.2%NUE compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$449$2,079
FCX NUE

FCX vs NUE: by the numbers

  • FCX is the larger company ($98.34B vs $60.66B market cap).
  • NUE trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.37 vs 36.20 P/E).
  • FCX converts more revenue to profit (10.34% vs 6.82% net margin).
  • FCX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.28% vs 9.67% CAGR).
  • FCX pays the higher dividend yield (0.88% vs 0.83%).

Which is better, FCX or NUE?

Metric tally: FCX 11 · NUE 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNUE(lower P/E)
GrowthFCX(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeFCX(higher dividend yield)
QualityFCX(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricFCXNUE
P/E ratio36.2026.37
Forward P/E17.7616.03
P/S ratio3.741.79
P/B ratio5.062.85
PEG ratio1.981.01
EV / EBITDA10.9613.38
FCF yield6.32%0.87%

Profitability

MetricFCXNUE
Gross margin27.80%13.98%
Operating margin27.77%10.04%
Net margin10.34%6.82%
ROE14.01%10.87%
ROIC7.77%6.74%

Dividends

MetricFCXNUE
Dividend yield0.88%0.83%
Payout ratio39.22%29.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFCXNUE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.28%9.67%
EPS CAGR (5Y)30.14%26.02%
FCF CAGR (5Y)20.99%-19.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.39%21.93%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FCX or NUE?
It depends on your goal. value: NUE (lower P/E); growth: FCX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: FCX (higher dividend yield); quality: FCX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FCX leads 11 to 6.
Is FCX or NUE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NUE is cheaper: FCX trades at a 36.20 P/E and NUE at 26.37.
Which has grown faster, FCX or NUE?
Over the past five years, FCX grew revenue faster — FCX at a 11.28% CAGR versus NUE at 9.67%.
Does FCX or NUE pay a bigger dividend?
FCX yields 0.88% and NUE yields 0.83% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FCX or NUE more profitable?
FCX runs the higher net margin — FCX at 10.34% versus NUE at 6.82%.
Which has been the better investment, FCX or NUE?
Over the past 10-year, FCX delivered the higher annualized total return — FCX at 22.00% versus NUE at 20.73%. 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 June 14, 2026.