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First Quantum Minerals Ltd (TSE:FM)
TSX:FM

First Quantum Minerals (FM) AI Stock Analysis

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TSFirst Quantum Minerals
(TSX:FM)
61Neutral
First Quantum Minerals exhibits mixed financial performance with declining revenue but improved leverage and cash flow. Technical indicators suggest downward momentum, while valuation metrics are weak with a negative P/E ratio and no dividend yield. The earnings call highlighted operational strengths but also noted significant challenges. Recent corporate events indicate strategic financial maneuvers to enhance financial flexibility and debt management.
Positive Factors
Operational Performance
Reported copper production of 112kt in 4Q significantly beat expectations and prior guidance ranges due to higher ore grades.
Negative Factors
Cost Management
Copper C1 unit cost guidance for 2025 and 2026 has been increased, reflecting higher costs and sustaining capital expenditures.
Future Outlook
Production guidance has been trimmed for both Zambian mines for future years, indicating a more conservative outlook.

First Quantum Minerals (FM) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

First Quantum Minerals Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFirst Quantum Minerals (FM) is a global mining and metals company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of mineral resources, primarily focusing on copper. The company operates mines and projects across several countries, with a significant presence in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. First Quantum Minerals is dedicated to producing copper and other base metals, including nickel and gold, supporting the global demand for these essential resources.
How the Company Makes MoneyFirst Quantum Minerals generates revenue primarily through the extraction and sale of copper, which is its core product. The company's operating mines produce copper concentrate and cathodes, which are sold to various industrial sectors around the world, including electronics, construction, and automotive industries. Revenue is also derived from the production and sale of other base metals such as nickel and gold. The company benefits from strategic partnerships and long-term contracts with smelters and refiners, which ensure consistent demand for its products. Additionally, First Quantum Minerals invests in exploration and development projects to expand its resource base and increase production capacity, thereby enhancing its revenue potential. Fluctuations in global commodity prices and exchange rates can significantly impact the company's earnings.

First Quantum Minerals Financial Statement Overview

Summary
First Quantum Minerals shows mixed financial performance with declining revenue and profitability margins, yet improved leverage and cash flow generation. The company faces operational challenges but maintains a stable financial position. Ongoing attention to cost management and revenue generation is essential to enhance profitability and shareholder returns.
Income Statement
60
Neutral
The company's revenue has seen a significant decline from $7.63 billion in 2022 to $4.80 billion in 2024, reflecting a negative growth trajectory. The gross profit margin for 2024 is approximately 28.1%, showing a decrease from previous years, indicating potential cost pressures or reduced pricing power. The net profit margin has improved to a positive 0.04% in 2024 from negative margins in the previous year, suggesting some recovery in profitability. However, EBIT and EBITDA margins have also decreased, reflecting operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The debt-to-equity ratio has decreased from 0.75 in 2022 to 0.56 in 2024, showing improved leverage management. Return on equity (ROE) has substantially declined, indicating reduced shareholder returns. The equity ratio stands at approximately 47.6%, demonstrating a stable financial structure with a balanced approach to equity and liabilities.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Free cash flow has increased from $127 million in 2023 to $365 million in 2024, indicating improved cash generation. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is high due to low net income, showing reliance on operational cash flow. The free cash flow to net income ratio reflects significant improvement, but overall cash flow management shows potential volatility.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
4.80B6.46B7.63B7.21B5.20B
Gross Profit
1.35B1.29B2.20B2.56B1.08B
EBIT
810.00M78.00M2.24B2.60B991.00M
EBITDA
1.59B1.28B3.28B3.73B1.98B
Net Income Common Stockholders
2.00M-954.00M1.03B832.00M-224.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
843.00M1.16B1.69B1.86B950.00M
Total Assets
24.11B23.76B25.08B25.27B24.24B
Total Debt
6.37B7.58B7.38B7.91B8.36B
Net Debt
5.53B6.42B5.69B6.05B7.41B
Total Liabilities
12.21B12.98B12.84B13.78B14.20B
Stockholders Equity
11.47B10.25B10.90B10.02B8.87B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
365.00M127.00M1.17B1.89B1.00B
Operating Cash Flow
1.65B1.43B2.33B2.88B1.61B
Investing Cash Flow
-1.29B-1.38B-1.17B-1.10B-673.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-501.00M-776.00M-1.33B-841.00M-543.00M

First Quantum Minerals Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price17.19
Price Trends
50DMA
18.81
Negative
100DMA
18.78
Negative
200DMA
18.00
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.44
Positive
RSI
37.87
Neutral
STOCH
22.47
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:FM, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 17.19 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 18.59, below the 50-day MA of 18.81, and below the 200-day MA of 18.00, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.44 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 37.87 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 22.47 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:FM.

First Quantum Minerals Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (47)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSHBM
72
Outperform
C$3.95B35.863.40%0.21%42.67%718.35%
TSLUN
66
Neutral
$9.86B25.63-4.60%3.39%-2.71%-188.94%
TSFM
61
Neutral
$14.97B0.02%-24.38%99.06%
59
Neutral
$29.30B92.441.56%0.92%-10.03%-86.30%
TSCS
56
Neutral
$6.09B51.52-3.82%12.21%
47
Neutral
$2.64B-4.00-31.55%3.33%2.93%-29.90%
TSIVN
44
Neutral
$17.37B54.924.57%-33.54%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:FM
First Quantum Minerals
16.89
2.98
21.42%
TSE:HBM
HudBay Minerals
10.00
1.87
22.94%
TSE:CS
Capstone Copper
7.80
0.77
10.95%
TSE:TECK.B
Teck Resources
55.90
4.12
7.95%
TSE:IVN
Ivanhoe Mines
12.84
-1.30
-9.19%
TSE:LUN
Lundin Mining
11.36
0.82
7.80%

First Quantum Minerals Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 11, 2025 | % Change Since: -8.71% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a mixed sentiment with positive operational achievements and strong financial management, but significant challenges in Panama and Zambia's energy supply remain unresolved.
Highlights
Exceeding Production Guidance
Kansanshi and Trident exceeded guidance with 431,000 tons of copper and 139,000 ounces of gold produced in 2024, surpassing the upper end of expectations.
Strong Financial Position
Net debt decreased by $61 million in the fourth quarter to $5.5 billion, with liquidity increasing to $1.6 billion.
Operational Improvements
Implementation of improved grade control practices led to the highest annual copper production at Kansanshi since 2021, and record expert mining volumes at Sentinel.
Lowlights
Panama Operational Suspension
Continued suspension at Cobre Panama with ongoing delays in governmental approvals affecting operations, with arbitration now scheduled for February 2026.
Energy Challenges in Zambia
Zambia's energy situation remains challenging, with reliance on supplementary power imports due to low hydroelectric power output.
Increased Costs and Lower EBITDA
EBITDA decreased by 13% quarter-over-quarter due to lower copper and gold sales and higher unit costs at Sentinel and Enterprise.
Company Guidance
During the Fourth Quarter 2024 Results Conference Call, First Quantum Minerals provided guidance that emphasized strong operational performance and strategic initiatives for future growth. The company exceeded its 2024 copper and gold production guidance, achieving 431,000 tons of copper and 139,000 ounces of gold, surpassing the upper ends of their respective estimates. The Kansanshi S3 Expansion was highlighted, with the project scheduled for completion by mid-2025, aiming for a smooth ramp-up. Although the rainy season has impacted hydroelectric power levels in Zambia, First Quantum plans to manage potential power shortfalls through supplementary imports. Financially, the company reduced net debt by $61 million, ending the year with a net debt of $5.5 billion and liquidity of $1.6 billion. Looking ahead, the company is focused on resolving the situation in Panama, continuing balance sheet management, and ensuring operational excellence, with 2025 copper C1 costs projected at $1.68 per pound.

First Quantum Minerals Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
First Quantum Minerals Upsizes Senior Notes Offering to $1 Billion
Positive
Feb 19, 2025

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. has announced the successful pricing and upsizing of its senior notes offering, increasing the total from $750 million to $1,000 million with an 8.000% interest rate. The proceeds will be used to repay part of its revolving credit facility, fund a tender offer for existing senior notes, and cover related transaction costs, reflecting strategic financial management to optimize its capital structure.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
First Quantum Minerals Upsizes Tender Offer for Senior Notes
Positive
Feb 19, 2025

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced an increase in its cash tender offer for its outstanding 6.875% senior notes due 2027, raising the maximum amount from $500 million to $750 million. This strategic financial maneuver follows the successful pricing and upsizing of a concurrent offering of $1 billion in senior notes due 2033, aimed at enhancing the company’s financial flexibility and addressing existing debt obligations. The move could impact stakeholders by potentially strengthening First Quantum’s financial position and funding its operations, though it remains subject to certain conditions and potential waivers.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
First Quantum Minerals Launches $750 Million Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Feb 19, 2025

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. has announced a $750 million offering of senior unsecured notes, with plans to use the proceeds to repay part of its revolving credit facility and fund a partial tender offer for its existing senior notes. This strategic financial move is expected to strengthen the company’s financial flexibility, potentially impacting its operational capabilities and offering reassurance to stakeholders regarding its debt management strategy.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
First Quantum Minerals Launches $500 Million Cash Tender Offer for Senior Notes
Positive
Feb 19, 2025

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. has initiated a cash tender offer to purchase its outstanding 6.875% Senior Notes due 2027, with a maximum aggregate principal amount of up to $500 million. This move is part of the company’s financial strategy to manage its debt and optimize its capital structure, potentially improving its financial flexibility and reducing interest costs.

Business Operations and Strategy
First Quantum Minerals Announces Strategic Operational Update
Neutral
Feb 12, 2025

First Quantum Minerals has announced a significant update regarding its operational strategies, which could potentially influence its market position and stakeholder interests. The announcement highlights changes that are expected to impact the company’s overall operations, though specific details and implications are not provided.

First Quantum Minerals Reports Strong 2024 Results and Strategic Plans for 2025-2027
Jan 16, 2025

First Quantum Minerals has announced its preliminary production results for 2024, showcasing a robust performance with copper production surpassing expectations. The company has also provided guidance for 2025 to 2027, indicating a slight reduction in copper production forecasts due to conservative approaches in Zambia and operational adjustments at the Sentinel mine. Notably, the ongoing Cobre Panamá mine situation is under scrutiny, with production halted and awaiting government approvals for environmental audits, which could impact future operations.

First Quantum to Announce Year-End 2024 Results and Future Guidance
Jan 13, 2025

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced that it will release its fourth quarter and year-end 2024 financial and operating results on February 11, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for the following day. The company will also provide its preliminary production results and three-year guidance on January 15, 2025, highlighting its continued efforts to maintain transparency and engage stakeholders effectively.

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.