10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2005

FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2005

Filed August 3, 2005For Securities:FCX

Summary

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2005 compared to the same periods in 2004. Driven by substantially higher copper and gold sales volumes and prices, revenues more than doubled year-over-year. This strong top-line growth translated into a substantial increase in operating income and a return to profitability, with net income applicable to common stock reaching $175.2 million for the quarter and $305.6 million for the first six months. The company's primary operating subsidiary, PT Freeport Indonesia, benefited from improved ore grades and higher mill throughput, contributing to increased production. Market conditions for copper and gold remained favorable, with copper prices reaching a high of $1.71 per pound in late July 2005 and gold prices averaging $427 per ounce in the second quarter. The company's outlook for the remainder of 2005 and beyond remains positive, with expectations of continued strong operating cash flows.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue surged by approximately 85% for the quarter and 101% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2005, compared to the prior year, driven by higher sales volumes and commodity prices.
  • 2The company returned to profitability, reporting net income applicable to common stock of $175.2 million ($0.91 per diluted share) for Q2 2005, a significant improvement from a net loss of $53.3 million ($0.30 per diluted share) in Q2 2004.
  • 3PT Freeport Indonesia experienced a substantial increase in copper and gold production volumes due to improved ore grades and higher mill throughput at the Grasberg mine.
  • 4Favorable commodity prices for copper and gold continued into the second quarter of 2005, with copper prices averaging $1.54/lb and gold prices averaging $427/oz.
  • 5Operating cash flow for the first six months of 2005 was $620.5 million, a significant improvement from a negative $189.0 million in the same period of 2004.
  • 6The company's outlook projects strong operating cash flows exceeding $1.2 billion for the full year 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in revenue was primarily driven by a combination of significantly higher copper and gold sales volumes and higher realized prices for both commodities, compared to the same period in the prior year.

PT Freeport Indonesia, the company's main operating subsidiary, saw improved performance due to higher ore grades and increased mill throughput at the Grasberg mine. This led to a significant rise in copper and gold production, directly boosting sales volumes.

The company anticipates favorable market conditions to continue, with copper prices remaining strong. Based on projected sales volumes and estimated prices for the remainder of 2005, FCX expects to generate operating cash flows in excess of $1.2 billion for the full year, with over $600 million expected in the second half.

Yes, FCX is planning to adopt new accounting guidance for stripping costs (EITF Issue No. 04-6) effective January 1, 2006. This will change how stripping costs are accounted for, impacting the deferred mining costs asset on the balance sheet and potentially reducing reported net income in the periods of adoption. Additionally, the company is reviewing the implementation of SFAS No. 123R for share-based payments, which will require expensing stock options at fair value.