10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2007

Filed August 9, 2007For Securities:FCX

Summary

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) reported a significant increase in financial performance for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, largely driven by its acquisition of Phelps Dodge Corporation on March 19, 2007. The acquisition has dramatically expanded FCX's scale of operations, assets, and revenue base. For the second quarter of 2007, FCX reported revenues of $5.81 billion, a substantial jump from $1.43 billion in the prior year's quarter. Net income applicable to common stock also saw a significant increase to $1.10 billion ($2.62 per diluted share) from $367 million ($1.74 per diluted share) in the same period last year. This growth reflects higher commodity prices for copper and gold, coupled with the integration of Phelps Dodge's mining assets and operations. The company's balance sheet reflects the transformative impact of the Phelps Dodge acquisition, with total assets growing from $5.39 billion at the end of 2006 to $40.63 billion at June 30, 2007. This increase is primarily due to the addition of property, plant, equipment, and goodwill associated with the acquisition. FCX also significantly increased its long-term debt to finance the acquisition, standing at $9.64 billion at quarter-end compared to $661 million at the end of 2006. Despite the increased leverage, the company's strong operational performance and higher commodity prices are expected to support its debt reduction strategy.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues surged to $5.81 billion in Q2 2007 from $1.43 billion in Q2 2006, driven by the acquisition of Phelps Dodge and higher commodity prices.
  • 2Net income applicable to common stock rose to $1.10 billion ($2.62/share) in Q2 2007 from $367 million ($1.74/share) in Q2 2006.
  • 3Total assets increased significantly to $40.63 billion as of June 30, 2007, from $5.39 billion as of December 31, 2006, primarily due to the Phelps Dodge acquisition.
  • 4Long-term debt increased substantially to $9.64 billion from $661 million, reflecting financing for the Phelps Dodge acquisition.
  • 5The company issued $6.0 billion in senior notes and significantly utilized its senior credit facility to fund the acquisition.
  • 6Operating cash flow for the first six months of 2007 was $2.75 billion, a significant increase from $376 million in the prior year period.
  • 7FCX is exploring strategic alternatives for its international manufacturing division, PDIC.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the acquisition of Phelps Dodge Corporation on March 19, 2007. This acquisition substantially expanded FCX's asset base, operational scale, and revenue-generating capacity, coupled with favorable market conditions for copper and gold prices.

The acquisition dramatically increased FCX's total assets, which grew from approximately $5.39 billion at the end of 2006 to $40.63 billion at June 30, 2007. This increase is mainly due to the fair value of acquired assets, including property, plant, equipment, and a significant amount of goodwill. Correspondingly, the company's long-term debt also rose significantly to $9.64 billion to finance the transaction.

Following the acquisition, FCX's long-term debt increased substantially. The company has prioritized debt reduction and has used a portion of its operating cash flow and proceeds from stock sales to pay down debt, particularly under its senior credit facility.

The purchase accounting adjustments relate to valuing the acquired assets of Phelps Dodge at their fair market value at the acquisition date, which was higher than their historical costs. These adjustments, particularly for inventories and property, plant, and equipment, result in higher non-cash costs (like depreciation and cost of sales) in the current periods, which reduce reported net income but do not affect cash flow. FCX estimates these impacts for the six months ended June 30, 2007, to be $1.1 billion in cost of sales and $0.7 billion in net income reduction.