WallStSmart

Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc (FCX)vsUnited States Lime & Minerals Inc (USLM)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc generates 6763% more annual revenue ($25.87B vs $376.92M). USLM leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 11.4%. USLM trades at a lower P/E of 22.7x. USLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

FCX

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 2.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.68

USLM

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 10.98
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FCXSignificantly Overvalued (-60.0%)

Margin of Safety

-60.0%

Fair Value

$41.22

Current Price

$66.59

$25.37 premium

UndervaluedFair: $41.22Overvalued
USLMUndervalued (+6.3%)

Margin of Safety

+6.3%

Fair Value

$115.00

Current Price

$109.30

$5.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $115.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FCX4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.4%

Market CapQuality
$99.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
28.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 28.1% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.09B8/10

Generating 1.1B in free cash flow

USLM4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.0%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
10.9810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

FCX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.3x4/10

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
4.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

USLM1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FCX

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

Bull Case : USLM

The strongest argument for USLM centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.7% and operating margin at 41.0%.

Bear Case : FCX

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

Bear Case : USLM

The primary concerns for USLM are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FCX profiles as a declining stock while USLM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

FCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.39 — expect wider price swings.

USLM is growing revenue faster at 8.3% — sustainability is the question.

FCX generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USLM scores higher overall (56/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 35.7% margins. 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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United States Lime & Minerals Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · BUILDING MATERIALS · USA

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. manufactures and supplies lime and limestone products in the United States. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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