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Freeport-McMoRan (FCX)
NYSE:FCX
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Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) AI Stock Analysis

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FCX

Freeport-McMoRan

(NYSE:FCX)

Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$44.00
▲(6.51% Upside)
Freeport-McMoRan's strong financial performance and positive earnings call are the main drivers of its stock score. The company's robust margins, low leverage, and strategic growth initiatives are significant strengths. However, technical indicators suggest caution in the short term, and the valuation indicates the stock is not cheap. Overall, Freeport-McMoRan is well-positioned for future growth, but investors should monitor revenue fluctuations and broader market conditions.
Positive Factors
Operational Performance
Freeport-McMoRan reported Q2’25 adjusted EBITDA that was much better than BofAe and consensus forecasts.
Pricing Power
FCX will have room to increase pricing on its negotiated annual contracts and the current share price does not reflect Freeport's ability to realize premium pricing on a portion of its North America volumes.
Tariff Protections
FCX should benefit from tariff protections in the US given a majority of its North America sales are in the form of copper rod.
Negative Factors
Copper Market Conditions
Copper markets are tricky with prices distorted by US stockpiling ahead of Section 232, leading to expected post-Section 232 weakness.
Cost Increases
FCX expects 5% higher cost of goods in the U.S. due to supplier pass-through of tariffs.
Sales Guidance
FCX reduced its 2025 sales guidance to 3.95 billion pounds of copper, 1.3 million ounces of gold, and 82Mb of molybdenum from prior 2025 guidance.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (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. The company’s key revenue streams include the production and sale of copper concentrate and cathode, gold bullion, and molybdenum products. Copper sales account for the largest portion of its revenue, driven by demand from construction, electrical, and manufacturing industries. Additionally, gold sales contribute significantly, especially during periods of high gold prices. The company also benefits from cost management strategies and operational efficiencies to enhance profitability. Partnerships with local governments and stakeholders in regions where it operates, such as Indonesia and the Americas, provide strategic advantages and support FCX's long-term growth. Market conditions, including commodity prices and global demand, greatly influence its earnings.

Freeport-McMoRan Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Breaks down revenue by different business units, highlighting which segments are driving growth and profitability, and revealing the company's strategic focus and market positioning.
Chart InsightsFreeport-McMoRan's copper revenue shows a steady upward trend, reflecting strong demand and strategic pricing in the US market, bolstered by a 13% premium over LME prices. Gold revenue is volatile but poised for significant growth, with sales expected to quadruple. The earnings call highlights a positive outlook with increased production and reduced costs, despite challenges like export permit issues in Indonesia and tariff impacts. The company's focus on operational excellence and strategic projects, such as leach innovations, positions it well for future growth and shareholder returns.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Freeport-McMoRan Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 23, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -9.80%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 16, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a strong financial performance with significant achievements in operational milestones, especially the start-up of the Indonesian smelter and cost reduction initiatives. However, some challenges remain with gold production timing and cost pressures from tariffs. Despite these issues, Freeport's strategic positioning and innovation efforts create a positive outlook.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Freeport reported strong margins and cash flows, with a quarterly EBITDA of $3.2 billion and operating cash flows of $2.2 billion. Copper sales in the second half are expected to be nearly 10% higher than the first half.
Indonesian Smelter Start-up
The start-up of the new copper smelter in Indonesia was a major milestone, commencing a month ahead of schedule, with first cathode production expected by the end of the month.
U.S. Copper Premium
The U.S. copper sales premium tripled from second quarter levels, implying a significant financial benefit. This premium adds additional margins and cash flows.
Innovation and Cost Reduction
Progress in leach additive technology at the U.S. Morenci mine shows promising lab results, aiming to produce 800 million pounds per annum. Efforts to reduce costs in the U.S. are ongoing, targeting $2.50 per pound range by 2027.
Strategic Positioning
Freeport is well-positioned with significant copper resources, with operations in the U.S., Indonesia, and South America. The company is advancing several expansion projects and exploring innovative leach processes.
Negative Updates
Grasberg Gold Production Revision
Grasberg's gold production for 2025 is expected to be down approximately 15% due to updated ore grade models, though this is a timing issue and does not impact long-term production plans.
Cost Pressures from Tariffs
Potential 5% impact on costs due to tariffs on imported materials, although Freeport is actively working to manage and mitigate these pressures.
Operational Challenges
Major maintenance projects at the Grasberg site impacted mill rates, though completion is expected to improve future operating rates.
Company Guidance
During Freeport-McMoRan's second quarter conference call for fiscal year 2025, the company provided detailed guidance on its operational and financial expectations. The firm reported strong margins and cash flows, with copper and gold sales exceeding expectations, and a significant reduction in net unit cash production costs to $1.13 per pound. The average realized copper price was over $4.50 per pound, contributing to a quarterly EBITDA of $3.2 billion and operating cash flows of $2.2 billion. Looking ahead, Freeport expects a 10% increase in copper sales in the second half of the year compared to the first half. The recent start-up of its Indonesian smelter is anticipated to enhance margins further, and the company is advancing its innovative leach program with a targeted production increase of 800 million pounds per annum. Freeport also highlighted the impact of a recent U.S. tariff on copper imports, which has significantly increased domestic copper price premiums, potentially providing substantial financial benefits. Additionally, the company remains focused on reducing costs and expanding production capabilities in the U.S., while continuing to distribute 50% of excess cash flows to shareholders.

Freeport-McMoRan Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Freeport-McMoRan's financial statements reflect strong profitability with impressive margins, low leverage, and robust cash flow. The balance sheet shows financial stability, although revenue growth has been somewhat volatile, indicating a potential area for concern. Overall, the company demonstrates financial resilience and operational efficiency within the copper industry.
Income Statement
82
Very Positive
Freeport-McMoRan's income statement shows strong profitability with a healthy gross profit margin of 27.97% and a robust net profit margin of 46.61% for the TTM period. The company demonstrates solid EBIT and EBITDA margins of 55.29% and 76.61% respectively, indicating efficient operations. However, revenue growth has been volatile, with recent TTM revenue slightly lower than the previous annual figures, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining consistent top-line growth.
Balance Sheet
88
Very Positive
The balance sheet reveals a strong equity position with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, indicating minimal leverage and financial risk. The return on equity is impressive at 32.03%, reflecting effective use of shareholder funds. Additionally, the equity ratio stands at 32.24%, showcasing a balanced capital structure with a substantial equity base. Overall, the balance sheet exhibits financial stability and resilience.
Cash Flow
85
Very Positive
Cash flow analysis shows a healthy operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.13, indicating robust cash generation relative to profits. The free cash flow growth rate is significant at 75.29% for the TTM period, reflecting improved cash efficiency. Furthermore, the free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.71 highlights strong cash conversion from earnings. These metrics underscore the company's ability to generate cash and invest in growth opportunities.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue25.70B25.14B22.71B23.33B22.36B13.87B
Gross Profit7.32B7.19B6.88B8.09B8.29B2.41B
EBITDA9.45B9.47B8.59B9.29B10.26B3.92B
Net Income1.91B1.88B1.84B3.46B4.30B596.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets56.49B54.85B52.51B51.09B48.02B42.14B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.72B3.92B4.76B8.15B8.07B3.66B
Total Debt9.25B9.74B9.85B10.95B9.77B9.94B
Total Liabilities26.50B26.07B25.20B26.22B25.00B23.48B
Stockholders Equity18.21B17.58B16.69B15.55B13.98B10.17B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.12B2.35B455.00M1.67B5.60B1.06B
Operating Cash Flow6.56B7.16B5.28B5.14B7.71B3.02B
Investing Cash Flow-5.08B-5.03B-4.96B-3.44B-1.96B-1.26B
Financing Cash Flow-3.06B-3.28B-2.65B-1.62B-1.34B-128.00M

Freeport-McMoRan Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price41.31
Price Trends
50DMA
42.85
Negative
100DMA
39.79
Positive
200DMA
39.78
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.37
Negative
RSI
44.85
Neutral
STOCH
38.70
Neutral
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 41.31 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 41.72, below the 50-day MA of 42.85, and above the 200-day MA of 39.78, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.37 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 44.85 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 38.70 is Neutral, 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 (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$75.79B12.3920.26%1.45%39.02%
75
Outperform
$102.28B9.5018.18%6.15%0.03%-3.78%
74
Outperform
$59.94B31.6210.70%1.45%5.70%-0.52%
74
Outperform
$41.29B8.1513.49%8.26%-12.89%-46.86%
70
Outperform
$77.87B21.5439.07%3.06%13.01%31.25%
69
Neutral
$27.86B10.464.72%1.40%-4.36%
61
Neutral
$10.03B6.440.67%3.02%2.97%-45.32%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FCX
Freeport-McMoRan
41.46
-1.79
-4.14%
MT
ArcelorMittal
34.51
11.48
49.85%
NEM
Newmont Mining
69.00
18.23
35.91%
RIO
Rio Tinto
60.59
0.85
1.42%
SCCO
Southern Copper
93.70
-4.25
-4.34%
VALE
Vale SA
9.71
-0.18
-1.82%

Freeport-McMoRan Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Freeport-McMoRan Reports Strong Q2 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Jul 23, 2025

In the second quarter of 2025, Freeport-McMoRan reported strong financial performance with net income attributable to common stock totaling $772 million. The company exceeded its sales guidance for copper and gold, benefiting from favorable pricing. Significant milestones included the startup of a new copper smelter in Indonesia and advancements in copper leaching initiatives. Freeport-McMoRan maintained a strong financial position with operating cash flows of $2.2 billion and capital expenditures of $1.3 billion, reinforcing its commitment to growth and efficiency.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCX) stock is a Hold with a $58.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Freeport-McMoRan stock, see the FCX Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Freeport-McMoRan Approves 2025 Stock Incentive Plan
Neutral
Jun 12, 2025

At the 2025 Annual Meeting of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. held on June 11, 2025, stockholders approved the 2025 Stock Incentive Plan, which replaces the 2016 Plan and authorizes the issuance of up to 43,820,000 shares of common stock. The meeting also saw the election of twelve directors, approval of executive compensation, and ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent accounting firm for 2025. The Plan’s approval is expected to impact the company’s operations by providing a new framework for stock-based compensation, potentially influencing employee incentives and aligning interests with stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCX) stock is a Hold with a $58.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Freeport-McMoRan stock, see the FCX Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Jul 31, 2025