| Freeport-McMoRan’s Debt Levels Increase Further in 2Q15 | |
| | |
|
Freeport-McMoRan’s 2Q15 Earnings: An Investor's Guide (Continued from Prior Part) Freeport-McMoRan’s leverage ratios
We’ve already seen that Freeport-McMoRan’s (FCX) cash operating margins for its energy business improved in 2Q15 compared to the previous quarter. Even though the margins have improved from 1Q15, they’re still a far cry from what Freeport enjoyed last year.
In this part of the series, we’ll take a look at Freeport-McMoRan’s leverage ratios, which went up sharply after the company acquired the energy assets.
Currently, Freeport forms 2.8% of the Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and 3.98% of the SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (XME).
Freeport’s net debt was negative in 4Q12. This basically means that the cash on Freeport’s balance sheet was more than its borrowings. However, Freeport had to borrow heavily to acquire these energy assets. This increased its debt levels. Freeport’s debt ratios are currently much higher than other copper producers such as Southern Copper (SCCO) and Teck Resources (TCK).
Debt levels surge higher in 2Q15
The above graph shows Freeport’s total debt over the last few quarters. In 2Q15, its total debt went up $600 million and reached $20.9 billion. It ended the quarter with total cash of $466 million, which appears to be on the low side. After the recent correction in its share price, Freeport’s market capitalization is ~$12.6 billion.
Freeport was planning to reduce its debt levels. Lower crude oil prices have changed the equation. It has had to defer its debt reduction targets since commodity prices fell. It also had to slash its dividend by more than 80% in a bid to reduce cash outflows.
Freeport is investing in several growth projects that are leading to a cash burn. In the next part, we’ll discuss some of Freeport’s major expansion projects.
Continue to Next Part Browse this series on Market Realist:
|
|
|
Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc.
|
|
PRODUCER |
CODE : FCX |
ISIN : US35671D8570 |
|
| |
ProfileMarket IndicatorsVALUE : Projects & res.Press releasesAnnual reportRISK : Asset profileContact Cpy |
Freeport McMoran is a gold and copper producing company based in United states of america. Freeport McMoran produces gold, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and silver in Chile, in Congo Dem. Rep. of, in Indonesia and in Peru, develops copper in Peru, and holds various exploration projects in Chile. Its main assets in production are CANDELARIA, EL ABRA, CHINO - MILL, HENDERSON, MIAMI - ROM LEACH, MORENCI - MILL, OJOS DEL SALADO, MORENCI and MORENCI - ROM LEACH in Chile, GRASBERG, SIERRITA and BAGDAD in Indonesia, TENKE FUNGURUME and TYRONE in Congo Dem. Rep. of and CERRO VERDE in Peru, its main asset in development is SAFFORD in Peru and its main exploration properties are BAGDAD - ROM LEACH and CHINO - ROM LEACH in Peru and CERRO VERDE - MILL, CERRO VERDE - CRUSHED LEACH, CERRO VERDE - ROM LEACH, EL ABRA - ROM LEACH and CLIMAX in Chile. Freeport McMoran is listed in Germany and in United States of America. Its market capitalisation is US$ 70.9 billions as of today (€ 66.5 billions). Its stock quote reached its lowest recent point on March 06, 2020 at US$ 10.00, and its highest recent level on April 22, 2024 at US$ 48.95. Freeport McMoran has 1 448 000 000 shares outstanding. |