Riding The Wave: Freeport-McMoRan Receives Upgrade As Analyst Foresees Copper And Gold Boom
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 09 2024
0mins
Should l Buy FCX?
Source: Business Insider
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Analyst Views on FCX
Wall Street analysts forecast FCX stock price to fall
15 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 67.570
Low
46.00
Averages
58.79
High
70.00
Current: 67.570
Low
46.00
Averages
58.79
High
70.00
About FCX
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. is a metals company. The Company operates assets with reserves of copper, gold and molybdenum. Its portfolio of assets includes the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia, which is a copper and gold deposit; and operations in the United States, including the large-scale Morenci minerals district in North America and the Cerro Verde operation in South America. Its segments include Cerro Verde copper mine, Indonesia operations and United States Rod & Refining operations. It produces copper concentrate, cathode and continuous cast copper rod. Its copper ore from mines is processed by smelting and refining or by solution extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW). It produces copper cathodes at an electrolytic refinery located in El Paso, Texas. The SX/EW cathode is produced from the Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, Miami, Chino and Tyrone mines in the United States, and from the Cerro Verde and El Abra mines in South America.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Freeport-McMoRan Q1 Earnings Preview Highlights Strong Growth Potential
- Strong Earnings Expectations: Freeport-McMoRan is set to announce its Q1 earnings on April 23, with consensus EPS estimates at $0.47, reflecting a 95.8% year-over-year increase, and revenues projected at $5.96 billion, up 4.0% year-over-year, indicating enhanced profitability supported by strong commodity prices.
- Outstanding Stock Performance: The company's shares have surged 38% this year, demonstrating market confidence in its future earnings potential, although analysts believe the current valuation does not fully capture this potential, reflecting optimism about long-term copper demand.
- Long-Term Growth Drivers: Analysts highlight that the Grasberg operation will serve as a key growth catalyst independent of macroeconomic conditions, with revenues potentially reaching nearly $35 billion by 2027, showcasing the company's long-term competitiveness in the copper market.
- Copper Price Forecast and Risks: Goldman Sachs has reiterated its forecast for copper prices to average $12,650 per metric ton this year, but also flagged risks to copper supply from potential sulfuric acid shortages if disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz persist, adding uncertainty to the market.
See More
US Stocks Close Lower as Oil Prices Rebound Impact Market
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.63%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 0.59%, and the Nasdaq 100 index decreased by 0.42%, reflecting investor concerns over the uncertainty surrounding Iran's geopolitical situation, which dampened market sentiment.
- Oil Price Rebound Impact: WTI crude oil prices rebounded by over 2% after Iran announced it would not attend peace talks, raising fears of a deepening global energy crisis, which could further hinder economic recovery.
- Supportive Economic Data: March retail sales rose by 1.7% month-over-month, surpassing expectations of 1.4%, indicating robust consumer spending that may provide some support for the stock market, despite overall market pressures.
- Fed Nominee Supports Independence: Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh emphasized the importance of monetary policy independence and controlling inflation in his Senate Banking Committee statement, which could positively influence market confidence.
See More
Midday Market Moves: Notable Stock Fluctuations
- Stanley Black & Decker Surge: Stanley Black & Decker's stock rose over 4% after the company stated that recent changes to Section 232 tariffs would not materially impact its full-year forecast, indicating strong confidence in its financial outlook.
- Fermi Stock Plunge: Shares of energy infrastructure developer Fermi fell more than 22% following the resignation of CFO Miles Everson and the recent departure of CEO Toby Neugebauer, raising concerns about the company's leadership stability and future direction.
- Biogen's Strategic Move: Biogen's stock increased nearly 3% after agreeing to pay $850 million for exclusive rights to sell felzartamab in China, which underscores its strategic expansion in the immune-related disease treatment market.
- Fertilizer Stocks Fluctuate: Fertilizer stocks experienced volatility as CF Industries rose nearly 2% due to ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Dow and LyondellBasell Industries also saw gains of about 4% and 2%, respectively, reflecting market reactions to supply chain challenges.
See More
Premarket Moves: Airlines Under Pressure, Tech Stocks Surge
- Airlines Decline: Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines saw their stocks drop over 2% as investors worry that renewed U.S.-Iran tensions will elevate energy prices, leading to reduced consumer travel.
- Tech Stocks Surge: Shares of Marvell Technology and Broadcom jumped more than 7% following reports of talks with Google to develop new AI chips, although Broadcom's stock fell nearly 1.5% on the news.
- TopBuild Acquisition: TopBuild's stock surged over 17% after QXO announced its acquisition for $17 billion, which is expected to create a higher-margin business and be immediately accretive to earnings.
- AST SpaceMobile Drop: AST SpaceMobile's shares fell 15% after a satellite was launched into the wrong orbit, although the company expects to recover costs through insurance and plans to conduct monthly orbital launches starting in 2026.
See More
Futures Decline as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran's Strait Control and Trump's New Talks
- Futures Market Volatility: Futures prices fell as Iran's strict control over the Strait of Hormuz raised geopolitical risk concerns, prompting investors to reassess their risk asset allocations in light of potential supply disruptions.
- Oil Price Surge: Oil prices jumped significantly following Iran's increased control over this critical shipping lane, which could not only impact global energy supply chains but also exacerbate inflationary pressures, affecting both consumer and business cost structures.
- Trump's New Talks: President Trump announced new negotiations set for Monday, although specific details remain undisclosed; this move could influence market expectations regarding future policy directions, thereby impacting investor confidence.
- Tesla Earnings Loom: Tesla is set to release its earnings report soon, and market expectations regarding its performance will directly affect its stock price volatility, with investors keenly watching its performance in the electric vehicle market and future growth potential.
See More
Wall Street Earnings Season Faces Major Test
- Earnings Season Significance: Wall Street is set for a packed earnings season featuring key companies like Capital One and Boeing, with investors eager to glean insights into the economic impact of the Iran war from these reports.
- Capital One Performance Focus: Capital One is scheduled to report earnings on Tuesday, with market attention on its consumer health metrics and the progress of its acquisitions of Discover and Brex, particularly amid rising economic uncertainties.
- Boeing Earnings Outlook: Boeing is expected to release its earnings report on Wednesday, with market focus on order volumes in both its commercial and defense sectors, as well as free cash flow performance, especially after previous unexpected losses.
- GE Vernova Order Growth: GE Vernova will report alongside Boeing, with first-quarter new orders anticipated to reach $14.4 billion, reflecting a 65% year-over-year increase, indicating strong market performance amid rising electricity demand.
See More
Freeport-McMoRan Q1 Earnings Preview Highlights Strong Growth Potential
- Strong Earnings Expectations: Freeport-McMoRan is set to announce its Q1 earnings on April 23, with consensus EPS estimates at $0.47, reflecting a 95.8% year-over-year increase, and revenues projected at $5.96 billion, up 4.0% year-over-year, indicating enhanced profitability supported by strong commodity prices.
- Outstanding Stock Performance: The company's shares have surged 38% this year, demonstrating market confidence in its future earnings potential, although analysts believe the current valuation does not fully capture this potential, reflecting optimism about long-term copper demand.
- Long-Term Growth Drivers: Analysts highlight that the Grasberg operation will serve as a key growth catalyst independent of macroeconomic conditions, with revenues potentially reaching nearly $35 billion by 2027, showcasing the company's long-term competitiveness in the copper market.
- Copper Price Forecast and Risks: Goldman Sachs has reiterated its forecast for copper prices to average $12,650 per metric ton this year, but also flagged risks to copper supply from potential sulfuric acid shortages if disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz persist, adding uncertainty to the market.
See More
US Stocks Close Lower as Oil Prices Rebound Impact Market
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.63%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 0.59%, and the Nasdaq 100 index decreased by 0.42%, reflecting investor concerns over the uncertainty surrounding Iran's geopolitical situation, which dampened market sentiment.
- Oil Price Rebound Impact: WTI crude oil prices rebounded by over 2% after Iran announced it would not attend peace talks, raising fears of a deepening global energy crisis, which could further hinder economic recovery.
- Supportive Economic Data: March retail sales rose by 1.7% month-over-month, surpassing expectations of 1.4%, indicating robust consumer spending that may provide some support for the stock market, despite overall market pressures.
- Fed Nominee Supports Independence: Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh emphasized the importance of monetary policy independence and controlling inflation in his Senate Banking Committee statement, which could positively influence market confidence.
See More
Midday Market Moves: Notable Stock Fluctuations
- Stanley Black & Decker Surge: Stanley Black & Decker's stock rose over 4% after the company stated that recent changes to Section 232 tariffs would not materially impact its full-year forecast, indicating strong confidence in its financial outlook.
- Fermi Stock Plunge: Shares of energy infrastructure developer Fermi fell more than 22% following the resignation of CFO Miles Everson and the recent departure of CEO Toby Neugebauer, raising concerns about the company's leadership stability and future direction.
- Biogen's Strategic Move: Biogen's stock increased nearly 3% after agreeing to pay $850 million for exclusive rights to sell felzartamab in China, which underscores its strategic expansion in the immune-related disease treatment market.
- Fertilizer Stocks Fluctuate: Fertilizer stocks experienced volatility as CF Industries rose nearly 2% due to ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Dow and LyondellBasell Industries also saw gains of about 4% and 2%, respectively, reflecting market reactions to supply chain challenges.
See More
Premarket Moves: Airlines Under Pressure, Tech Stocks Surge
- Airlines Decline: Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines saw their stocks drop over 2% as investors worry that renewed U.S.-Iran tensions will elevate energy prices, leading to reduced consumer travel.
- Tech Stocks Surge: Shares of Marvell Technology and Broadcom jumped more than 7% following reports of talks with Google to develop new AI chips, although Broadcom's stock fell nearly 1.5% on the news.
- TopBuild Acquisition: TopBuild's stock surged over 17% after QXO announced its acquisition for $17 billion, which is expected to create a higher-margin business and be immediately accretive to earnings.
- AST SpaceMobile Drop: AST SpaceMobile's shares fell 15% after a satellite was launched into the wrong orbit, although the company expects to recover costs through insurance and plans to conduct monthly orbital launches starting in 2026.
See More
Futures Decline as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran's Strait Control and Trump's New Talks
- Futures Market Volatility: Futures prices fell as Iran's strict control over the Strait of Hormuz raised geopolitical risk concerns, prompting investors to reassess their risk asset allocations in light of potential supply disruptions.
- Oil Price Surge: Oil prices jumped significantly following Iran's increased control over this critical shipping lane, which could not only impact global energy supply chains but also exacerbate inflationary pressures, affecting both consumer and business cost structures.
- Trump's New Talks: President Trump announced new negotiations set for Monday, although specific details remain undisclosed; this move could influence market expectations regarding future policy directions, thereby impacting investor confidence.
- Tesla Earnings Loom: Tesla is set to release its earnings report soon, and market expectations regarding its performance will directly affect its stock price volatility, with investors keenly watching its performance in the electric vehicle market and future growth potential.
See More
Wall Street Earnings Season Faces Major Test
- Earnings Season Significance: Wall Street is set for a packed earnings season featuring key companies like Capital One and Boeing, with investors eager to glean insights into the economic impact of the Iran war from these reports.
- Capital One Performance Focus: Capital One is scheduled to report earnings on Tuesday, with market attention on its consumer health metrics and the progress of its acquisitions of Discover and Brex, particularly amid rising economic uncertainties.
- Boeing Earnings Outlook: Boeing is expected to release its earnings report on Wednesday, with market focus on order volumes in both its commercial and defense sectors, as well as free cash flow performance, especially after previous unexpected losses.
- GE Vernova Order Growth: GE Vernova will report alongside Boeing, with first-quarter new orders anticipated to reach $14.4 billion, reflecting a 65% year-over-year increase, indicating strong market performance amid rising electricity demand.
See More
