Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) vs Vale S.A. (VALE)

FCX leads on 8 of 15 compared metrics, though VALE is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. and Vale S.A. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — FCX vs VALE

growth of $100 · last 24y
FCX +698.0%VALE +580.4%FCX compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200620102014201820222026$798$680
FCX VALE

FCX vs VALE: by the numbers

  • FCX is the larger company ($92.55B vs $65.29B market cap).
  • VALE trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.20 vs 34.07 P/E).
  • FCX converts more revenue to profit (10.34% vs 7.06% net margin).
  • FCX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.28% vs -2.82% CAGR).
  • VALE pays the higher dividend yield (6.64% vs 0.93%).

Which is better, FCX or VALE?

Metric tally: FCX 8 · VALE 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFCXVALE
P/E ratio34.0723.20
Forward P/E16.387.89
P/S ratio3.521.66
P/B ratio4.771.79
PEG ratio1.98
EV / EBITDA10.368.00
FCF yield6.72%5.12%

Profitability

MetricFCXVALE
Gross margin27.80%34.52%
Operating margin27.77%27.84%
Net margin10.34%7.06%
ROE14.01%7.62%
ROIC7.77%6.85%

Dividends

MetricFCXVALE
Dividend yield0.93%6.64%
Payout ratio39.22%175.15%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFCXVALE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.28%-2.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)30.14%-10.50%
FCF CAGR (5Y)20.99%-26.26%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.16%2.25%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FCX or VALE?
It depends on your goal. value: VALE (lower P/E); growth: FCX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: VALE (higher dividend yield); quality: FCX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FCX leads 8 to 7.
Is FCX or VALE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, VALE is cheaper: FCX trades at a 34.07 P/E and VALE at 23.20.
Which has grown faster, FCX or VALE?
Over the past five years, FCX grew revenue faster — FCX at a 11.28% CAGR versus VALE at -2.82%.
Does FCX or VALE pay a bigger dividend?
FCX yields 0.93% and VALE yields 6.64% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FCX or VALE more profitable?
FCX runs the higher net margin — FCX at 10.34% versus VALE at 7.06%.
Which has been the better investment, FCX or VALE?
Over the past 10-year, VALE delivered the higher annualized total return — FCX at 19.74% versus VALE at 20.10%. 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 24, 2026.