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Freeport-McMoRan (FCX)
NYSE:FCX

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) AI Stock Analysis

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Freeport-McMoRan

(NYSE:FCX)

66Neutral
Freeport-McMoRan's stock score is primarily supported by strong financial performance, characterized by robust profitability and efficient operations. However, technical analysis reveals a bearish trend with the stock trading below key moving averages. The valuation indicates potential overvaluation, offsetting some of the financial strengths. The earnings call provided a balanced view with optimism about growth opportunities tempered by potential challenges. Overall, while the financial position is solid, market conditions and valuation concerns warrant caution.
Positive Factors
Copper Pricing
Freeport-McMoRan expects a higher realized copper price of $4.40 per pound, which is above the consensus estimate and could lead to better financial performance.
Operational Improvements
Freeport-McMoRan's Free Cash Flow and capital return potential is clearly improving due to operational improvements and potential tariffs.
Tariffs and Pricing
Potential tariffs on US copper imports could result in significant incremental profits for Freeport-McMoRan, supported by premium pricing and favorable US-based operations.
Negative Factors
Cost Increases
Operational updates indicate higher net cash costs by approximately 5% due to lower gold sales in Indonesia.
Gold Sales
Gold sales are expected to be significantly lower than previous guidance, which could impact the company's revenue from gold.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Freeport-McMoRan Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFreeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. The company primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. Its assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. The company also operates a portfolio of oil and gas properties primarily located in offshore California and the Gulf of Mexico. As of December 31, 2021, it operated approximately 135 wells. The company was formerly known as Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. and changed its name to Freeport-McMoRan Inc. in July 2014. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
How the Company Makes MoneyFreeport-McMoRan generates revenue primarily through the sale of copper, gold, and molybdenum, which are extracted from its mining operations. Copper is the largest contributor to the company's revenue, driven by its widespread use in electrical equipment, construction, and various industrial applications. Gold and molybdenum, valuable by-products of copper mining, also provide significant revenue streams. The company's earnings are influenced by commodity prices, which are determined by global supply and demand dynamics. Additionally, Freeport-McMoRan engages in strategic partnerships and joint ventures to optimize its operations and expand its resources, such as its collaboration with the Indonesian government for the Grasberg mine. The company's financial performance is also affected by operational efficiencies, cost management strategies, and investments in sustainable mining practices.

Freeport-McMoRan Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Freeport-McMoRan exhibits strong financial performance across its income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow. The company demonstrates robust revenue and profit growth, with notable profitability metrics. The balance sheet is stable, with a strong equity base and manageable debt levels. Cash flow generation is solid, supporting future investments.
Income Statement
89
Very Positive
Freeport-McMoRan demonstrates strong financial performance with a notable growth trajectory. The company achieved a revenue growth rate of 11.38% in 2024 and an impressive net profit margin of 37.03%, indicating robust profitability. Gross profit margin stands at 39.15%, reflecting effective cost management. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also solid at 26.95% and 34.68% respectively, highlighting operational efficiency. Despite these strengths, the company should continue monitoring its growth pace to sustain long-term performance.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The balance sheet of Freeport-McMoRan shows a stable leverage position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, indicating a manageable level of debt. The equity ratio is 32.05%, illustrating a strong equity base relative to total assets. Return on equity (ROE) is notably high at 53.63%, demonstrating excellent returns to shareholders. While the company maintains a solid financial position, careful management of liabilities and continued strengthening of the equity base will be crucial for future stability.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Freeport-McMoRan's cash flow statement reveals robust cash generation capabilities, with an operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.76 and a significant free cash flow growth rate of 57.36% in 2024. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.76, highlighting efficient cash conversion. The strong cash flow underscores the company's ability to fund operations and growth initiatives. However, maintaining this momentum will be essential to support future capital expenditures and strategic investments.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
25.45B22.86B22.78B22.84B14.20B
Gross Profit
7.66B7.16B7.69B8.81B2.54B
EBIT
6.86B6.22B7.04B8.37B2.44B
EBITDA
8.83B8.59B9.29B10.26B3.92B
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.89B1.84B3.47B4.31B853.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
3.92B4.76B8.15B8.07B3.66B
Total Assets
54.85B52.51B51.09B48.02B42.14B
Total Debt
8.95B9.85B10.62B9.45B9.71B
Net Debt
5.03B5.09B2.47B1.38B6.05B
Total Liabilities
26.07B25.20B26.22B25.00B23.48B
Stockholders Equity
17.58B16.69B15.55B13.98B10.17B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
2.35B455.00M1.67B5.60B1.06B
Operating Cash Flow
7.16B5.28B5.14B7.71B3.02B
Investing Cash Flow
-5.03B-4.96B-3.44B-1.96B-1.26B
Financing Cash Flow
-3.28B-2.65B-1.62B-1.34B-128.00M

Freeport-McMoRan Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price33.35
Price Trends
50DMA
37.22
Negative
100DMA
38.82
Negative
200DMA
42.25
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.41
Positive
RSI
46.94
Neutral
STOCH
16.56
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FCX, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 33.35 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 37.00, below the 50-day MA of 37.22, and below the 200-day MA of 42.25, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of 0.41 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 46.94 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 16.56 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for FCX.

Freeport-McMoRan Risk Analysis

Freeport-McMoRan disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Freeport-McMoRan reported the most risks in the “Production” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Freeport-McMoRan Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (47)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$38.43B6.2516.72%8.10%-8.71%-22.75%
RIRIO
74
Outperform
$94.84B7.7120.93%7.03%-0.81%14.59%
MTMT
73
Outperform
$21.28B15.002.60%1.58%-8.56%68.36%
70
Outperform
$67.38B19.7040.71%2.33%15.54%39.64%
FCFCX
66
Neutral
$45.05B24.0610.92%1.80%10.71%1.94%
NENEM
66
Neutral
$57.42B17.8311.13%1.82%58.27%
47
Neutral
$2.49B-2.97-22.82%3.51%4.13%-28.53%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FCX
Freeport-McMoRan
33.35
-16.18
-32.67%
MT
ArcelorMittal
26.86
0.35
1.32%
NEM
Newmont Mining
54.97
17.39
46.27%
RIO
Rio Tinto
56.86
-5.77
-9.21%
SCCO
Southern Copper
84.63
-24.02
-22.11%
VALE
Vale SA
9.22
-1.91
-17.16%

Freeport-McMoRan Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Jan 23, 2025 | % Change Since: -14.68% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong financial performance and operational achievements, particularly in copper production and innovative initiatives. However, challenges such as export approvals in Indonesia, increased capital expenditures, and geopolitical risks were also discussed. The sentiment was balanced with optimism about future growth opportunities and ongoing strategic initiatives.
Highlights
Strong Financial Performance
FCX achieved $10 billion in EBITDA for 2024, a 14% increase over 2023, with operating cash flows of over $7 billion, a 35% improvement from the prior year.
Copper Sales and Market Position
Copper sales targets were met, and average copper prices were $4.21 per pound, with the company positioning itself strongly in the market for future demand.
Innovative Leach Initiative
The leach initiative achieved a 50% increase in copper production in 2024 at a very low cost, with targets to produce 300 million to 400 million pounds by 2026 and ultimately 800 million pounds by 2030.
U.S. Production Increase
Production in the U.S. is expected to increase by 8% in 2025, with opportunities for further increases in 2026 and 2027.
Progress on Indonesian Smelter
Despite a fire incident, the smelter recovery activities are in progress, with production expected to recommence by mid-2025.
Lowlights
Indonesian Export Challenges
Ongoing discussions are required with the Indonesian government to allow exports during smelter repairs, with potential impacts if approvals are delayed.
Potential Legislative Uncertainty in the U.S.
Uncertainty around U.S. legislation regarding copper as a critical mineral, which could impact potential tax credit benefits.
Increased Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditures are projected to increase to approximately $4.4 billion per year in 2025 and 2026, with discretionary CapEx also rising.
Geopolitical Risks
Ongoing geopolitical risks and negotiations in Indonesia, including challenges related to license extensions beyond 2041.
Company Guidance
During the Freeport-McMoRan Q4 2024 earnings call, the executives provided guidance encompassing several key metrics and strategic focuses. The company reported achieving $10 billion in EBITDA for 2024, a 14% increase over 2023, with operating cash flows improving by 35% to over $7 billion. Copper sales were highlighted, with an average realization of $4.21 per pound and gold slightly above $2,400 per ounce. For 2025, the company aims to improve execution across operations, targeting a run rate of 300 million pounds of additional copper by year-end, and plans to scale this to 800 million pounds annually by 2030. Freeport also intends to leverage its strong operational execution, with projected capital expenditures of approximately $4.4 billion per year in 2025 and 2026, including investments in growth projects such as the Kucing Liar development. The company emphasized maintaining a strong balance sheet and outlined potential impacts from geopolitical and legislative factors, such as potential U.S. tax credits on copper production.

Freeport-McMoRan Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Freeport-McMoRan Updates on Q1 2025 Operations
Neutral
Mar 31, 2025

On March 31, 2025, Freeport-McMoRan provided an operational update for the first quarter of 2025, indicating that copper and gold production met expectations. However, gold sales were impacted by shipment timing in Indonesia, although no material effect on annual sales guidance is anticipated. The company resumed concentrate export shipments from Indonesia after regulatory approvals and continues to ramp up production at its new precious metals refinery. Despite higher unit net cash costs due to shipment timing, the company expects its consolidated copper sales to align with previous guidance and anticipates higher realized copper prices compared to the London Metal Exchange average.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Freeport-McMoRan Reports Strong Q4 2024 Financial Performance
Positive
Jan 23, 2025

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Freeport-McMoRan reported a net income attributable to common stock of $274 million, alongside an adjusted net income of $450 million. The company achieved solid operating performance with sales volumes of copper and gold exceeding guidance, and unit net cash costs falling below expectations. Key developments include the start-up of the Indonesia Precious Metals Refinery and plans for a smelter start-up by mid-2025, indicating a strong financial position and favorable market outlook. The company also repaid $0.7 billion in maturing senior notes and ended the year with consolidated debt of $8.9 billion.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.