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Southern Copper Corp (SCCO)
NYSE:SCCO

Southern Copper (SCCO) AI Stock Analysis

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SCCO

Southern Copper

(NYSE:SCCO)

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Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:76Outperform
Price Target:
$215.00
▼(-1.51% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:01/31/26
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (robust margins, solid balance sheet, and healthy cash generation) and supportive technical uptrend signals. Offsetting these strengths are a demanding valuation (high P/E, modest yield) and earnings-call risks centered on lower 2026 production guidance and cost/operational headwinds despite strong recent results.
Positive Factors
High Profitability Margins
Southern Copper's very high margins reflect low unit costs, strong by‑product credits and efficient vertical integration. These durable margins generate operating resilience, funding for capital programs and dividends, and provide a long‑term cushion against copper price cycles.
Strong Cash Generation and Conversion
Robust cash generation and high conversion ratios indicate durable internal funding capacity. Consistent FCF growth supports the company’s >$20.5B capex plan, recurring dividends and balance sheet flexibility, reducing reliance on external financing across commodity cycles.
Project Visibility and Long‑term Production Ramp
Confirmed milestones and committed funding for Tía María and a staged multi‑year ramp provide structural capacity growth. Successful delivery would materially increase output and diversify supply timing, underpinning long‑term revenue growth beyond near‑term production dips.
Negative Factors
Near‑term Production Decline
The 2026 guidance cut driven by lower ore grades signals a sustained near‑term volume shortfall. Lower output over multiple quarters reduces revenue capacity and can raise unit costs as fixed operating overheads are spread over fewer pounds, delaying cash flow growth.
Rising Operating Costs and One‑offs
Significant quarterly cost increases and one‑time charges highlight cost inflation and exposure to wage, contractors and currency pressures. If sustained, these trends can compress margins absent continued by‑product tailwinds or higher metal prices, pressuring long‑term profitability.
Execution and Security Risks at Projects/Mines
Illegal miners and security/permitting issues at Los Chancas, plus strategic mine sequencing at Buenavista that favors zinc over copper, increase execution and operational variability. These structural risks can delay project timelines and make production forecasting less reliable.

Southern Copper (SCCO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Southern Copper Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSouthern Copper Corporation engages in mining, exploring, smelting, and refining copper and other minerals in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile. The company is involved in the mining, milling, and flotation of copper ore to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates; smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper; refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes; production of molybdenum concentrate and sulfuric acid; production of refined silver, gold, and other materials; and mining and processing of zinc and lead. It operates the Toquepala and Cuajone open-pit mines, and a smelter and refinery in Peru; and La Caridad, an open-pit copper mine, as well as a copper ore concentrator, a SX-EW plant, a smelter, refinery, and a rod plant in Mexico. The company also operates Buenavista, an open-pit copper mine, as well as two copper concentrators and two operating SX-EW plants in Mexico. In addition, it operates five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver, and gold; a coal mine that produces coal and coke; and a zinc refinery. The company has interests in 82,134 hectares of exploration concessions in Peru; 493,533 hectares of exploration concessions in Mexico; 246,346 hectares of exploration concessions in Argentina; 29,888 hectares of exploration concessions in Chile; and 7,299 hectares of exploration concessions in Ecuador. Southern Copper Corporation was incorporated in 1952 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Southern Copper Corporation operates as a subsidiary of Americas Mining Corporation.
How the Company Makes MoneySouthern Copper generates revenue primarily through the sale of copper and its by-products. The company operates a vertically integrated model, which allows it to control the entire production process from mining to refining. Key revenue streams include the sale of copper cathodes, which are sold to various domestic and international customers, and copper rod, which is used in electrical applications. Additionally, SCCO earns revenue from the sale of molybdenum and zinc, which are generated as by-products of copper production. The company's revenue is significantly impacted by global copper prices, which can fluctuate due to supply and demand dynamics. Strategic partnerships with other mining companies and customers also enhance its market reach and operational efficiency, contributing to its overall earnings.

Southern Copper Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 27, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized multiple record financial results (net sales, adjusted EBITDA, net income), strong cash flow and significant by-product volume and price tailwinds that materially improved margins and shareholder returns. Operationally, the company faces near-term challenges: a modest decline in copper production with a lower 2026 guidance, rising operating costs and one-time charges, project-level impediments (illegal miners at Los Chancas) and strategically chosen production shifts at Buenavista that affect copper and molybdenum volumes. On balance the positive financial outcomes, robust margins, strong cash generation, and clear project progress (Tia Maria) outweigh the operational headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Net Sales
Net sales reached a record $13.4 billion in 2025, up 17% versus 2024, driven by higher by-product volumes and improved metal prices.
Record Adjusted EBITDA and Strong Margins
Adjusted EBITDA hit a record $7.8 billion for 2025, a 22% increase year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 58% for the year (56% in 2024) and Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $2.3 billion, up 53% with a Q4 margin of 60% (54% in Q4 2024).
Record Net Income and Improved Profitability
Net income for 2025 was a record $4.3 billion, up 28% year-over-year. Q4 net income was $1,038 million, a 65% increase versus Q4 2024. Net income margin rose to 32% for 2025 (30% in 2024).
Strong Operating Cash Flow
Cash flow from operating activities totaled $4.8 billion in 2025, up 8% versus 2024, mainly driven by higher net income.
By-product Production and Price Tailwinds
Significant by-product improvements: mined zinc production rose 36% in 2025 (+52,500 tons from Buenavista), mined silver production increased 15% (24 million ounces produced), and molybdenum production was 31,200 tons (+7% YoY). By-product revenue credits totaled $920 million ($1.77/lb) in Q4, up 3% versus prior quarter.
Favorable Metal Price Environment
Copper prices rose strongly (LME copper +21% Q4 vs Q4 2024; COMEX +22%), molybdenum prices up 5% Q4 vs Q4 2024, silver prices up materially (average $54.48/oz in the quarter, cited as a 74% increase) and zinc price up 4.3% Q4 vs Q4 2024—supporting revenue and margins.
Capital Investment Progress and Project Visibility
2025 capex was $1.3 billion (a 29% increase YoY); long-term capital program exceeds $20.5 billion. Tia Maria is 24% complete with ~$800 million committed and forecasted 2026 cash out of ~$508 million; projected first production H2 2027 and 120,000 tpy by 2028.
Shareholder Returns and ESG Recognition
Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $1.00 per share and a stock dividend of 0.0085 shares per share. ESG accreditations include The Copper Mark for three mines (Buenavista, Toquepala, Cuajone) and safety recognition for La Caridad SX-EW; continued community investments and public works programs in Peru.
Negative Updates
Copper Production Decline and 2026 Guidance Cut
Full-year 2025 copper production fell 1.8% YoY to 956,270 tons and was 1% below 2025 plan (965,000 t). 2026 guidance calls for 911,400 tons, a 4.7% decrease versus 2025, driven by lower ore grades at Peruvian operations.
Rising Operating Costs and One‑time Charges
Total operating cost and expenses increased by $282 million (19%) in Q4 2025 vs Q4 2024. Main increases included workers' participation, purchased copper, inventory consumption and contractor services; there was a one-time $60 million asset retirement obligation adjustment in Mexico (mainly Buenavista).
Higher Cash Cost per Pound (Quarterly)
Operating cash cost per pound of copper before by-product credits rose to $2.29/lb in Q4 2025 (up $0.06 or ~3% vs Q3 2025). Net-of-by-product cash cost in Q4 was $0.52/lb, $0.10 higher than Q3 2025. Full-year 2025 before-credits cost was $2.17/lb (vs $2.13 in 2024).
Project Delays / Security Issues at Los Chancas
Los Chancas advancement is hindered by presence of illegal miners within the project area; the company is coordinating with authorities to regain control, delaying progress.
Operational Trade-offs at Buenavista and Molybdenum Outlook
Buenavista concentrator was prioritized for zinc (and higher-silver ore pockets), reducing copper throughput and contributing to an expected decline in molybdenum production in 2026 due to mining lower-grade areas.
Working Capital Pressure
Higher net operating assets, particularly increased accounts receivable, partially offset operating cash flow improvements and added to cash conversion pressure despite higher operating cash generation.
Company Guidance
The company guided that 2026 copper production is expected at 911,400 tons (a 4.7% decline versus 2025’s 956,270 tons and ~1% below the 2025 plan of 965,000 tons), with 2027 roughly in line (a little north of 900,000 tons) and a multi‑year ramp to ~970,000 tons in 2028 and ~1,060,000 tons by 2029–2031 as Tía María and other projects come online; Tía María’s budget remains $1.8 billion (24% complete at end‑2025), with $800 million committed, a 2026 cash out forecast of $508 million, construction to finish by H1‑2027, ~30,000 tons of refined copper in H2‑2027 and 120,000 tons/year from 2028. For by‑products the company expects molybdenum ~26,000 tons in 2026 (vs 31,200 tons in 2025), silver ~24 million ounces in 2026 (flat to down ~2% vs 2025), and zinc production/support that helped 2025 zinc rise ~36% (2025 zinc ~165,500 tonnes); Q4‑2025 copper averaged $5.03/lb (LME) and $5.15/lb (COMEX), the firm estimates a 2026 market deficit of ~320,000 tons and global inventories near ~14 days of demand. Cost guidance: operating cash cost per lb before by‑product credits was $2.29 in Q4 and $2.17 for 2025 (net of by‑product credits $0.58/lb for 2025; Q4 by‑product credits were $920M or $1.77/lb), and management expects operating costs to be “relatively flat on a per‑pound basis” in 2026 while noting currency appreciation pressure (cost mix ~39% MXN, 10% PEN, 51% USD). Financial and capital metrics referenced include record 2025 net sales $13.4B, adjusted EBITDA $7.8B (58% margin; Q4 adj. EBITDA $2.3B, 60% margin), 2025 net income $4.3B, 2025 capex $1.3B (part of a >$20.5B decade program), and a Jan‑2026 dividend of $1.00 cash + 0.0085 share stock (payable Feb‑27 to holders of record Feb‑10).

Southern Copper Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability and efficiency with robust TTM margins (gross 53.09%, net 30.98%) and improving revenue growth (TTM +3.76%). Balance sheet is solid with improving leverage (debt-to-equity 0.70) and high ROE (39.01%). Cash generation is healthy with positive FCF growth (TTM +10.59%) and strong cash conversion (operating cash flow to net income 2.72).
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Southern Copper shows strong profitability with a consistent increase in gross and net profit margins over the years. The TTM data indicates a gross profit margin of 53.09% and a net profit margin of 30.98%, both of which are robust. Revenue growth is positive at 3.76% in the TTM, indicating a recovery from previous declines. EBIT and EBITDA margins are also strong, reflecting efficient operations.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's balance sheet is solid with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70 in the TTM, showing a decrease from previous years, which indicates improved leverage management. Return on equity is high at 39.01%, demonstrating effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is stable, reflecting a balanced capital structure.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Cash flow metrics are strong, with a free cash flow growth rate of 10.59% in the TTM, indicating healthy cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 2.72, suggesting good cash conversion efficiency. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.83, indicating that a significant portion of net income is converted into free cash flow.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue12.33B13.42B11.43B9.90B10.05B10.93B
Gross Profit6.55B7.61B5.69B4.32B4.56B6.19B
EBITDA7.21B8.02B6.54B5.12B5.38B6.86B
Net Income3.82B4.33B3.38B2.43B2.64B3.40B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets20.33B21.38B18.71B16.73B17.28B18.30B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.53B4.91B3.50B1.75B2.28B3.49B
Total Debt7.43B7.33B7.00B7.03B7.10B7.46B
Total Liabilities9.81B10.28B9.48B9.24B9.13B10.09B
Stockholders Equity10.45B11.04B9.17B7.42B8.08B8.15B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow3.48B0.003.39B2.56B1.85B3.40B
Operating Cash Flow4.62B0.004.42B3.57B2.80B4.29B
Investing Cash Flow-1.40B0.00-673.30M-1.40B-666.80M-972.90M
Financing Cash Flow-1.83B0.00-1.65B-3.10B-3.01B-2.48B

Southern Copper Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price218.30
Price Trends
50DMA
176.77
Positive
100DMA
153.72
Positive
200DMA
124.66
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
9.03
Negative
RSI
64.02
Neutral
STOCH
88.68
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SCCO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 218.3 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 200.24, above the 50-day MA of 176.77, and above the 200-day MA of 124.66, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 9.03 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.02 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 88.68 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SCCO.

Southern Copper Risk Analysis

Southern Copper disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Southern Copper 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

Southern Copper Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$97.56B44.5811.98%1.25%2.83%3.39%
76
Outperform
$174.04B45.6939.45%2.07%12.70%25.51%
74
Outperform
$198.16B19.7121.38%3.55%-7.86%14.17%
72
Outperform
$134.99B19.4122.21%0.95%26.25%
69
Neutral
$165.65B15.9517.00%4.60%-0.44%-4.20%
68
Neutral
$73.06B29.406.88%10.04%-8.49%-41.69%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SCCO
Southern Copper
218.30
134.90
161.75%
BHP
BHP Group
81.57
35.05
75.33%
FCX
Freeport-McMoRan
68.08
31.68
87.02%
NEM
Newmont Mining
130.00
87.88
208.64%
RIO
Rio Tinto
99.34
42.27
74.07%
VALE
Vale SA
17.18
8.76
104.06%
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: Jan 31, 2026