10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2003

Filed August 12, 2003For Securities:FCX

Summary

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) reported a significant increase in financial performance for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2003, compared to the same periods in 2002. This improvement is driven by higher revenues, primarily due to increased sales volumes of copper and gold from PT Freeport Indonesia, benefiting from mining higher-grade ore and favorable gold prices. Atlantic Copper also saw revenue improvements. The company managed its debt effectively by completing two senior note offerings, significantly increasing its cash position and repaying outstanding bank debt. Despite increased revenues, consolidated cost of sales and interest expenses rose. A notable shift in accounting was the adoption of SFAS No. 143, which requires recording asset retirement obligations at fair value, resulting in a one-time gain. The company also reported progress in its underground mining operations and expects record low net cash production costs for copper. Management is actively reviewing options for Atlantic Copper's financial obligations due to persistently low treatment rates.

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant revenue growth in Q2 and YTD 2003 driven by higher copper and gold sales volumes and prices.
  • 2Net income applicable to common stock increased substantially, reaching $57.4 million in Q2 2003 and $106.6 million for the six months, up from $5.6 million and $1.4 million respectively in the prior year.
  • 3Successful completion of two senior note offerings ($500 million 10⅛% Senior Notes and $575 million 7% Convertible Senior Notes) significantly bolstered liquidity and allowed for repayment of existing bank debt.
  • 4PT Freeport Indonesia achieved record gold production and improved copper production due to higher ore grades and improved recovery rates.
  • 5Adoption of SFAS No. 143 for Asset Retirement Obligations resulted in a $9.1 million gain and a change in accounting principle.
  • 6Initiation of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on common stock, signaling confidence and returning capital to shareholders.
  • 7Management is exploring strategic options for Atlantic Copper to address its financial performance impacted by low treatment rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver is the substantial increase in sales volumes for both copper and gold from PT Freeport Indonesia, coupled with higher gold prices. The mining of higher-grade ore at PT Freeport Indonesia's operations has significantly boosted production. Atlantic Copper also contributed to revenue growth through higher gold sales volumes and prices.

FCX successfully raised capital through two senior note offerings: $500 million in 10⅛% Senior Notes and $575 million in 7% Convertible Senior Notes. The proceeds were used to repay all outstanding bank debt, significantly improving the company's cash position and financial flexibility. They also established a new interim credit facility.

Effective January 1, 2003, FCX adopted SFAS No. 143, which requires the recording of asset retirement obligations at fair value. This adoption resulted in a one-time cumulative gain of $9.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, recognized as a change in accounting principle. The standard is expected to lower future depreciation expenses and increase production costs with no significant near-term impact on net income.

PT Freeport Indonesia has achieved record gold production and improved copper production due to higher ore grades and better recovery rates. The company expects to achieve record low net cash production costs for copper in 2003, driven by these higher grades. The Deep Ore Zone (DOZ) underground mine is performing well and expansion options are being evaluated.