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 ($29.55B vs $25.92B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 8.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

FCX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.68

SO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FCXUndervalued (+8.0%)

Margin of Safety

+8.0%

Fair Value

$71.14

Current Price

$57.09

$14.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.14Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-254.9%)

Margin of Safety

-254.9%

Fair Value

$26.66

Current Price

$94.61

$67.95 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FCX2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$82.05B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
47.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 47.7% YoY

SO2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$105.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

FCX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.6x4/10

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
3.302/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.672/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.1%2/10

Earnings declined 22.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.86B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FCX

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

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 1.44 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.

FCX generates stronger free cash flow (-363M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

SO scores higher overall (54/100 vs 52/100) and 10.1% revenue growth. 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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