10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2014

FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2014

Filed May 9, 2014For Securities:FCX

Summary

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) reported its first-quarter 2014 financial results, highlighting a mixed performance influenced by operational challenges and commodity price fluctuations. Revenues increased year-over-year, largely due to the inclusion of oil and gas operations acquired in the previous year, but mining segment revenues faced headwinds from lower copper price realizations and significantly impacted sales volumes in Indonesia due to export restrictions. The company reported net income attributable to FCX common stockholders of $510 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, a decrease from $648 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. Operational challenges in Indonesia, specifically restrictions on copper concentrate exports, significantly reduced sales volumes and mill rates, impacting overall production. While the company anticipates a resumption of exports in May 2014, the uncertainty surrounding this resolution remains a key concern for investors. The company continues to focus on managing costs, particularly unit net cash costs for its mining operations, and on deleveraging its balance sheet, with significant debt reduction targeted by the end of 2016. Recent announced transactions to sell Eagle Ford shale assets and acquire Deepwater GOM interests signal strategic adjustments within the oil and gas segment.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues increased to $4.99 billion, driven by the inclusion of oil and gas operations, though mining revenues were impacted by lower metal prices.
  • 2Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders decreased to $510 million ($0.49/share) from $648 million ($0.68/share) in Q1 2013.
  • 3Sales volumes in Indonesia were significantly impacted by government regulations restricting copper concentrate exports, leading to reduced milling rates and deferred shipments.
  • 4Consolidated unit net cash costs for copper mines were $1.54 per pound, a slight improvement from $1.57 per pound in Q1 2013, but influenced by lower production in Indonesia.
  • 5Capital expenditures increased significantly to $1.61 billion from $805 million in Q1 2013, primarily due to expansion projects in Cerro Verde and Morenci, and oil & gas operations.
  • 6The company maintained its quarterly dividend of $0.3125 per share.
  • 7Significant debt remains on the balance sheet ($20.9 billion), with a target for significant reductions by the end of 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the revenue increase was the inclusion of revenues from the company's oil and gas operations, which were acquired in the second quarter of 2013. This offset some of the declines in mining segment revenues.

The most significant operational challenge was the restriction on copper concentrate exports from Indonesia due to new government regulations. This led to significantly reduced milling rates and deferred shipments, impacting sales volumes and revenue from the Grasberg mine.

Freeport-McMoRan is targeting significant reductions in its total debt by the end of 2016. The company plans to use cash flows generated above capital expenditures and other cash requirements, and is actively seeking opportunities through asset sales, joint ventures, or other monetizations to accelerate deleveraging.

The company views the long-term outlook for copper fundamentals as positive, supported by supply limitations and global demand. However, prices are expected to remain volatile, influenced by factors such as Chinese demand and global economic activity. The company anticipates resuming exports from Indonesia in May 2014, which would significantly boost production and sales volumes.