WallStSmart

Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc (FCX)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 14% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $26.42B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 10.3%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.66. FCX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

FCX

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 2.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.68

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FCXSignificantly Overvalued (-36.5%)

Margin of Safety

-36.5%

Fair Value

$47.94

Current Price

$61.65

$13.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $47.94Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-26.1%)

Margin of Safety

-26.1%

Fair Value

$73.33

Current Price

$91.80

$18.47 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.33Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FCX3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
154.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 154.0% YoY

Market CapQuality
$88.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
23.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.1%

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$103.49B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

Areas to Watch

FCX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.684/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.102/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.662/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FCX

The strongest argument for FCX centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : FCX

The primary concerns for FCX are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.32 — expect wider price swings.

FCX is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.

FCX generates stronger free cash flow (522M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor COPPER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

FCX scores higher overall (64/100 vs 56/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · COPPER · USA

Freeport-McMoRan Inc., often called Freeport, is an American mining company based in the Freeport-McMoRan Center, in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Southern Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.

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