Rio Tinto vs Southern Copper
This page compares Rio Tinto plc and Southern Copper Corp., examining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral way to help readers understand each company's approach and position. Educational content, not financial advice.
This page compares Rio Tinto plc and Southern Copper Corp., examining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral way to help readers understand each company's...
Why It's Moving
Rio Tinto surges on analyst upgrade, merger buzz, and production triumphs.
- Erste Group upgraded rating to Buy from Hold, citing 18% return on equity outpacing rivals and copper production ramp-up in Mongolia boosting 2026 sales.
- Stock climbed 4.62% to GBX 6606 on merger talks with Glencore and record quarterly iron ore from Pilbara, plus first Simandou shipment.
- Hit 2025 production targets with 883,000 tonnes copper exceeding guidance, 8% YoY copper equivalent growth, and new solar plant cutting emissions.
Southern Copper Surges on Analyst Upgrades and Copper Supply Squeeze Hype
- Wells Fargo boosted its price target to $182, citing improved copper pricing from supply scarcity and surging demand.
- Stock rallied 4.93% for the Jan 19-23 week, breaking out of consolidation around $185 with bullish technical signals.
- Dividend announcement on Jan 22 underscores financial strength, bolstering appeal amid optimistic sector comeback narrative.
Rio Tinto surges on analyst upgrade, merger buzz, and production triumphs.
- Erste Group upgraded rating to Buy from Hold, citing 18% return on equity outpacing rivals and copper production ramp-up in Mongolia boosting 2026 sales.
- Stock climbed 4.62% to GBX 6606 on merger talks with Glencore and record quarterly iron ore from Pilbara, plus first Simandou shipment.
- Hit 2025 production targets with 883,000 tonnes copper exceeding guidance, 8% YoY copper equivalent growth, and new solar plant cutting emissions.
Southern Copper Surges on Analyst Upgrades and Copper Supply Squeeze Hype
- Wells Fargo boosted its price target to $182, citing improved copper pricing from supply scarcity and surging demand.
- Stock rallied 4.93% for the Jan 19-23 week, breaking out of consolidation around $185 with bullish technical signals.
- Dividend announcement on Jan 22 underscores financial strength, bolstering appeal amid optimistic sector comeback narrative.
Investment Analysis
Rio Tinto
RIO
Pros
- Rio Tinto has a strong market capitalization around $117 billion and generates substantial revenue of over $53 billion annually.
- The company maintains a healthy dividend yield of approximately 5.36%, attractive for income-focused investors.
- Rio Tinto benefits from a diversified portfolio spanning iron ore, aluminium, copper, and other minerals, reducing dependency on a single commodity.
Considerations
- Despite strong fundamentals, Rio Tinto's stock price shows moderate volatility at around 7.16%, which may pose risks in turbulent markets.
- The company carries significant debt, with total debt over $23 billion, which could impact financial flexibility.
- Rio Tinto's recent stock performance has underperformed peers like Southern Copper, with lower returns and mixed analyst sentiment.
Southern Copper
SCCO
Pros
- Southern Copper exhibits higher revenue growth and better stock returns than Rio Tinto, with a 22% return over the last 12 months.
- The company operates with diversified copper assets and is a major player in the copper mining sector, positioned to benefit from rising copper demand.
- SCCO's revenue growth and operating performance outpace many peers, supported by strong demand in electrification and infrastructure.
Considerations
- Southern Copper's stock shows greater price volatility at over 10%, indicating higher risk compared to Rio Tinto.
- The company is highly exposed to copper commodity price fluctuations, increasing earnings cyclicality and market sensitivity.
- Southern Copper operates primarily in Peru and Mexico, which exposes it to geopolitical and regulatory risks specific to those regions.
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Rio Tinto (RIO) Next Earnings Date
Rio Tinto plc's next earnings date is February 19, 2026, covering the 2025 full year (Q4 2025) results. This aligns with the company's historical pattern of mid- to late-February releases for annual results, as confirmed by official projections. Investors should monitor for any official confirmation closer to the date.
Southern Copper (SCCO) Next Earnings Date
Southern Copper Corp (SCCO) is estimated to report its next earnings on February 11, 2026, covering the fourth quarter of 2025. This date is projected based on the company's historical reporting patterns, as no official confirmation has been announced yet. Investors should monitor for updates, as estimates can shift closer to the release.
Rio Tinto (RIO) Next Earnings Date
Rio Tinto plc's next earnings date is February 19, 2026, covering the 2025 full year (Q4 2025) results. This aligns with the company's historical pattern of mid- to late-February releases for annual results, as confirmed by official projections. Investors should monitor for any official confirmation closer to the date.
Southern Copper (SCCO) Next Earnings Date
Southern Copper Corp (SCCO) is estimated to report its next earnings on February 11, 2026, covering the fourth quarter of 2025. This date is projected based on the company's historical reporting patterns, as no official confirmation has been announced yet. Investors should monitor for updates, as estimates can shift closer to the release.
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Power up your portfolio with companies that form the backbone of our electric future. These carefully selected stocks represent firms providing the indispensable materials and infrastructure needed for the global energy transition.
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This carefully selected collection features companies with strategic control over essential, finite resources in politically stable regions. As global demand for critical materials grows, these stocks offer a powerful defense against international supply chain disruptions.
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