Freeport-McMoRan vs Ero Copper: Which Stock Could Rally?

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FCX: Freeport-McMoRan logo
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Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan fell -13% during the past Day. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Ero Copper gives you more. Ero Copper (ERO) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in ERO

  • ERO’s quarterly revenue growth was 161.3%, vs. FCX’s -1.5%.
  • In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 67.1%, ahead of FCX’s 1.8%.
  • ERO leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 34.2% and 3-year average of 27.3%.

These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how FCX’s fundamentals stack up against those of ERO on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.

Trefis: FCX Stock Insights

Valuation & Performance Overview

  FCX ERO Preferred
     
Valuation      
P/EBIT Ratio 13.6 10.6 ERO
     
Revenue Growth      
Last Quarter -1.5% 161.3% ERO
Last 12 Months 1.8% 67.1% ERO
Last 3 Year Average 4.5% 25.8% ERO
     
Operating Margins      
Last 12 Months 25.1% 34.2% ERO
Last 3 Year Average 26.4% 27.3% ERO
     
Momentum      
Last 3 Year Return 60.9% 41.3% FCX

Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.

Relevant Articles
  1. Freeport-McMoRan Earnings: The Good, the Bad, and the Grasberg
  2. What’s Keeping Copper Prices Near Record Levels?
  3. Freeport-McMoRan Stock To $38?
  4. Can Freeport-McMoRan Stock Recover If Markets Fall?
  5. What Is Happening With Freeport-McMoRan Stock?
  6. Freeport-McMoRan Stock Surged 70%, Here’s Why

See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell ERO Stock and Buy or Sell FCX Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.

Historical Market Performance

  2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Total [1] Avg Best
Returns
FCX Return 61% -7% 14% -10% 35% 39% 189%    
ERO Return 119% -10% 15% -15% 110% -2% 296%   <===
S&P 500 Return 27% -19% 24% 23% 16% 4% 90%    
Monthly Win Rates [3]
FCX Win Rate 58% 42% 42% 33% 67% 75%   53%  
ERO Win Rate 17% 58% 50% 58% 75% 75%   56%  
S&P 500 Win Rate 75% 42% 67% 75% 67% 50%   62% <===
Max Drawdowns [4]
FCX Max Drawdown -1% -39% -12% -14% -23% 0%   -15%  
ERO Max Drawdown 0% -46% -15% -19% -28% -17%   -21%  
S&P 500 Max Drawdown -1% -25% -1% -2% -15% -7%   -9% <===

[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 4/23/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year

No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read ERO Dip Buyer Analyses and FCX Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.

Still not sure about FCX or ERO? Consider portfolio approach.

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