TMC
TMC the metals company Inc.
Industrial Materials
Market Cap$2.36B
5Y Perf.+24.7%
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Stock Comparison
TMC vs MP vs LAC vs FCX
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MP
MP Materials Corp.
Industrial Materials
Market Cap$12.28B
5Y Perf.+109.2%
LAC
Lithium Americas Corp.
Industrial Materials
Market Cap$1.37B
5Y Perf.-59.7%
FCX
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
Copper
Market Cap$87.11B
5Y Perf.+89.5%
TMC vs MP vs LAC vs FCX — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | TMC | MP | LAC | FCX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Industrial Materials | Industrial Materials | Industrial Materials | Copper |
| Market Cap | $2.36B | $12.28B | $1.37B | $87.11B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $0.00 | $305M | $0.00 | $26.42B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-296M | $-71M | $-241M | $2.73B |
| Gross Margin | — | 8.3% | — | 27.8% |
| Operating Margin | — | -36.4% | — | 27.8% |
| Forward P/E | — | 254.2x | — | 22.4x |
| Total Debt | $12M | $1.04B | $23M | $11.50B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $3M | $1.17B | $594M | $3.35B |
TMC vs MP vs LAC vs FCX — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
TMC
MP
LAC
FCX
| Stock | Sep 21 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMC the metals comp… (TMC) | 100 | 124.7 | +24.7% |
| MP Materials Corp. (MP) | 100 | 209.2 | +109.2% |
| Lithium Americas Co… (LAC) | 100 | 40.3 | -59.7% |
| Freeport-McMoRan In… (FCX) | 100 | 189.5 | +89.5% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: TMC vs MP vs LAC vs FCX
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: FCX leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for valuation and capital efficiency and profitability and margin quality. MP Materials Corp. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and capital preservation and lower volatility. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
TMC
TMC the metals company Inc.
The Specific-Use Pick
TMC plays a supporting role in this comparison — it may shine differently against other peers.
Best for: basic materials exposure
MP
MP Materials Corp.
The Income Pick
MP is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability and growth exposure is your priority.
- beta 1.40
- Rev growth 35.1%, EPS growth 12.3%, 3Y rev CAGR -19.5%
- 5.9% 10Y total return vs FCX's 5.1%
- Beta 1.40, current ratio 7.24x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
LAC
Lithium Americas Corp.
The Defensive Pick
LAC is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night.
- Lower volatility, beta 1.42, Low D/E 2.4%, current ratio 10.33x
Best for: sleep-well-at-night
FCX
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
The Value Play
FCX carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for value and quality.
- Better valuation composite
- 10.3% margin vs MP's -23.3%
- 1.0% yield; 5-year raise streak; the other 3 pay no meaningful dividend
- 4.7% ROA vs TMC's -168.3%
Best for: value and quality
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | MP | 35.1% revenue growth vs LAC's -6.0% |
| Value | FCX | Better valuation composite |
| Quality / Margins | FCX | 10.3% margin vs MP's -23.3% |
| Stability / Safety | MP | Beta 1.40 vs TMC's 2.37 |
| Dividends | FCX | 1.0% yield; 5-year raise streak; the other 3 pay no meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | MP | +192.7% vs FCX's +65.3% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | FCX | 4.7% ROA vs TMC's -168.3% |
TMC vs MP vs LAC vs FCX — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2024
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
TMC vs MP vs LAC vs FCX — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLFCXLAGGINGLAC
Who Leads Where
FCX leads in 3 of 6 categories
MP leads 1 • TMC leads 0 • LAC leads 0 • 1 tied
Explore the data ↓LACLithium Americas Corp.
0leads
TMCTMC the metals compan…
0leads
MPMP Materials Corp.
1leads
FCXFreeport-McMoRan Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MPvs TMCMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
FCX5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
FCX2/4
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
FCX6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MP4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
FCX leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
FCX and LAC operate at a comparable scale, with $26.4B and $0 in trailing revenue. FCX is the more profitable business, keeping 10.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to MP's -23.3%. On growth, MP holds the edge at +49.1% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | TMCTMC the metals co… | MPMP Materials Corp. | LACLithium Americas … | FCXFreeport-McMoRan … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $0 | $305M | $0 | $26.4B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$111M | -$43M | -$32M | $9.6B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$296M | -$71M | -$241M | $2.7B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$45M | -$314M | -$648M | $6.2B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | — | +8.3% | — | +27.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | — | -36.4% | — | +27.8% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | — | -23.3% | — | +10.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | — | -102.8% | — | +23.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | +49.1% | — | +12.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -8.0% | +121.4% | -21.4% | +154.2% |
FCX leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
FCX leads this category, winning 2 of 4 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | TMCTMC the metals co… | MPMP Materials Corp. | LACLithium Americas … | FCXFreeport-McMoRan … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $2.4B | $12.3B | $1.4B | $87.1B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $2.4B | $12.2B | $801M | $95.3B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -22.80x | -138.26x | -26.95x | 39.88x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 254.17x | — | 22.41x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | 1.33x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | — | — | 11.16x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | — | 44.59x | — | 3.38x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | — | 4.92x | 1.20x | 2.84x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — | — | 78.05x |
FCX leads this category, winning 2 of 4 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
FCX leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
FCX delivers a 8.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $9 in annual profit, vs $-27 for LAC. LAC carries lower financial leverage with a 0.02x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to MP's 0.44x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), FCX scores 5/9 vs LAC's 2/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | TMCTMC the metals co… | MPMP Materials Corp. | LACLithium Americas … | FCXFreeport-McMoRan … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | — | -3.7% | -26.9% | +8.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -168.3% | -2.0% | -16.6% | +4.7% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | — | -4.7% | -7.1% | +12.8% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -3.5% | -4.2% | -3.9% | +12.4% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | — | 0.44x | 0.02x | 0.37x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $8M | -$123M | -$571M | $8.1B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $3M | $1.2B | $594M | $3.4B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $12M | $1.0B | $23M | $11.5B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -105.76x | -2.80x | — | 17.68x |
FCX leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MP leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MP five years ago would be worth $24,966 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,057 for TMC. Over the past 12 months, MP leads with a +192.7% total return vs FCX's +65.3%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors TMC at 95.3% vs LAC's -23.7% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | TMCTMC the metals co… | MPMP Materials Corp. | LACLithium Americas … | FCXFreeport-McMoRan … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -15.9% | +25.8% | +18.7% | +17.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +95.9% | +192.7% | +84.4% | +65.3% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +645.1% | +221.7% | -55.6% | +70.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -39.4% | +149.7% | -31.3% | +44.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -39.4% | +591.3% | +234.9% | +507.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +95.3% | +47.6% | -23.7% | +19.5% |
MP leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — MP and FCX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MP is the less volatile stock with a 1.40 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than TMC's 2.37 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. FCX currently trades 85.4% from its 52-week high vs TMC's 50.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | TMCTMC the metals co… | MPMP Materials Corp. | LACLithium Americas … | FCXFreeport-McMoRan … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 2.60x | 1.44x | 1.51x | 1.85x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $11.35 | $100.25 | $10.52 | $70.97 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $2.81 | $18.64 | $2.47 | $35.15 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +50.2% | +69.0% | +53.8% | +85.4% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 63.5 | 66.8 | 69.1 | 49.1 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 5.5M | 5.6M | 9.0M | 15.4M |
Evenly matched — MP and FCX each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: TMC as "Buy", MP as "Buy", LAC as "Hold", FCX as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 110.5% upside for TMC (target: $12) vs 10.5% for FCX (target: $67). FCX is the only dividend payer here at 0.99% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | TMCTMC the metals co… | MPMP Materials Corp. | LACLithium Americas … | FCXFreeport-McMoRan … |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $12.00 | $81.00 | $7.00 | $67.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 2 | 12 | 15 | 41 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — | — | +1.0% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — | — | 5 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — | — | $0.60 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | +0.1% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
FCX leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). MP leads in 1 (Total Returns). 1 tied.
Best OverallFreeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
TMC vs MP vs LAC vs FCX: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is TMC or MP or LAC or FCX a better buy right now?
For growth investors, MP Materials Corp.
(MP) is the stronger pick with 35. 1% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 1. 1% for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX). Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) offers the better valuation at 39. 9x trailing P/E (22. 4x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate TMC the metals company Inc. (TMC) a "Buy" — based on 2 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — TMC or MP or LAC or FCX?
On forward P/E, Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
is actually cheaper at 22. 4x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — TMC or MP or LAC or FCX?
Over the past 5 years, MP Materials Corp.
(MP) delivered a total return of +149. 7%, compared to -39. 4% for TMC the metals company Inc. (TMC). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MP returned +574. 3% versus TMC's -39. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — TMC or MP or LAC or FCX?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), MP Materials Corp.
(MP) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 44β versus TMC the metals company Inc. 's 2. 60β — meaning TMC is approximately 80% more volatile than MP relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 2% versus 44% for MP Materials Corp. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — TMC or MP or LAC or FCX?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), MP Materials Corp.
(MP) is pulling ahead at 35. 1% versus 1. 1% for Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Freeport-McMoRan Inc. grew EPS 16. 9% year-over-year, compared to -757. 1% for Lithium Americas Corp.. Over a 3-year CAGR, FCX leads at 3. 3% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — TMC or MP or LAC or FCX?
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
(FCX) is the more profitable company, earning 8. 6% net margin versus -31. 2% for MP Materials Corp. — meaning it keeps 8. 6% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: FCX leads at 24. 4% versus -44. 6% for MP. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — FCX leads at 27. 0%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is TMC or MP or LAC or FCX more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
(FCX) trades at 22. 4x forward P/E versus 254. 2x for MP Materials Corp. — 231. 8x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for TMC: 110. 5% to $12. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — TMC or MP or LAC or FCX?
In this comparison, FCX (1.
0% yield) pays a dividend. TMC, MP, LAC do not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is TMC or MP or LAC or FCX better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
(FCX) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (1. 0% yield, +517. 6% 10Y return). TMC the metals company Inc. (TMC) carries a higher beta of 2. 60 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (FCX: +517. 6%, TMC: -39. 4%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between TMC and MP and LAC and FCX?
Both stocks operate in the Basic Materials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: TMC is a small-cap quality compounder stock; MP is a mid-cap high-growth stock; LAC is a small-cap quality compounder stock; FCX is a mid-cap quality compounder stock. FCX pays a dividend while TMC, MP, LAC do not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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