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Published: 24 April 2018 24 April 2018

To download a PDF of the release, please visit the following link: Freeport-McMoRan Reports First-Quarter March 31, 2018 Results

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX):

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) reported net income attributable to common stock of $692 million ($0.47 per share) for first-quarter 2018, compared with $228 million ($0.16 per share) for first-quarter 2017. After adjusting for net gains of $13 million ($0.01 per share), adjusted net income attributable to common stock totaled $679 million ($0.46 per share) for first-quarter 2018. Refer to the supplemental schedule, "Adjusted Net Income," on page VI, which is available on FCX's website, "fcx.com," for additional information.
Richard C. Adkerson, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "During the first quarter, our global team maintained our focus on productivity, cost management and capital discipline. Our results reflect strong cash flows, continued strengthening of our balance sheet and advancement of initiatives to build value for shareholders. We continue to engage in negotiations with the Indonesian government to restore long-term stability for our Grasberg operations and look forward to reaching a mutually positive resolution. Our improved financial position enabled our Board to reinstate cash dividends to shareholders and a continuation of strong results and positive market conditions will enable further strengthening of our balance sheet, investments in attractive long-term growth projects and the consideration of additional cash returns to shareholders. Our shareholders are well positioned to benefit from FCX's global leadership position in copper, supported by a large, high-quality portfolio of long-lived, geographically diverse assets and a positive market outlook for copper."
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

 

 

2017

(in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenuesa,b

$

4,868

$

3,341

Operating incomea

$

1,459

$

597

Net income from continuing operations

$

828

$

268

Net (loss) income from discontinued operationsc

$

(11

)

$

38

Net income attributable to common stockd,e

$

692

$

228

Diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock:

 

Continuing operations

$

0.48

$

0.13

Discontinued operations

(0.01

)

0.03

$

0.47

 

$

0.16

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding

1,458

1,454

Operating cash flowsf

$

1,369

$

792

Capital expenditures

$

402

$

344

At March 31:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3,702

$

4,001

Total debt, including current portion

$

11,606

$

15,363

a.

For segment financial results, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Business Segments," beginning on page VIII, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

b.

Includes adjustments to prior period provisionally priced concentrate and cathode copper sales totaling $(78) million ($(35) million to net income attributable to common stock or $(0.02) per share) in first-quarter 2018 and $91 million ($39 million to net income attributable to common stock or $0.03 per share) in first-quarter 2017. For further discussion, refer to the supplemental schedule, "Derivative Instruments," on page VII, which is available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

c.

Primarily reflects adjustments to the fair value of contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of FCX's interest in TF Holdings Limited, which will continue to be adjusted through December 31, 2019.

d.

Includes net gains of $13 million ($0.01 per share) in first-quarter 2018 and $8 million ($0.01 per share) in first-quarter 2017 that are described in the supplemental schedule, "Adjusted Net Income," on page VI, which is available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

e.

FCX defers recognizing profits on intercompany sales until final sales to third parties occur. For a summary of net impacts from changes in these deferrals, refer to the supplemental schedule, "Deferred Profits," on page VII, which is available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

f.

Includes net working capital (uses) sources and timing of other tax payments of $(21) million in first-quarter 2018 and $189 million in first-quarter 2017.

SUMMARY OPERATING DATA

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

 

2017

Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)

Production

952

851

Sales, excluding purchases

993

809

Average realized price per pound

$

3.11

$

2.67

Site production and delivery costs per pounda

$

1.67

$

1.60

Unit net cash costs per pounda

$

0.98

$

1.39

Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)

Production

599

239

Sales, excluding purchases

610

182

Average realized price per ounce

$

1,312

$

1,229

Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)

Production

22

23

Sales, excluding purchases

24

24

Average realized price per pound

$

11.95

$

8.71

a.

Reflects per pound weighted-average production and delivery costs and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for all copper mines, before net noncash and other costs. For reconciliations of per pound unit costs by operating division to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page X, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

Consolidated Sales Volumes
First-quarter 2018 copper sales of 993 million pounds approximated the January 2018 estimate of 1.0 billion pounds, and were higher than first-quarter 2017 sales of 809 million pounds, primarily reflecting higher operating rates in Indonesia.
First-quarter 2018 gold sales of 610 thousand ounces were lower than the January 2018 estimate of 675 thousand ounces, primarily because of lower-than-expected mill throughput rates associated with maintenance activities at Grasberg. First-quarter 2018 gold sales were higher than first-quarter 2017 sales of 182 thousand ounces, primarily reflecting higher ore grades and operating rates in Indonesia.
Lower operating rates in first-quarter 2017 reflected the regulatory restrictions on PT-FI's concentrate exports from mid-January 2017 to mid-April 2017.
First-quarter 2018 molybdenum sales of 24 million pounds approximated the January 2018 estimate and first-quarter 2017 sales of 24 million pounds.
Sales volumes for the year 2018 are expected to approximate 3.8 billion pounds of copper, 2.4 million ounces of gold and 95 million pounds of molybdenum, including 970 million pounds of copper, 700 thousand ounces of gold and 24 million pounds of molybdenum in second-quarter 2018.
Projections for 2018 and other forward looking statements in this release assume resolution of PT-FI's long-term mining rights or an extension of PT-FI's temporary IUPK after June 30, 2018.
Consolidated Unit Costs
Consolidated average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for FCX's copper mines of $0.98 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2018 were lower than unit net cash costs of $1.39 per pound in first-quarter 2017, primarily reflecting higher sales volumes and by-product credits.
Assuming average prices of $1,300 per ounce of gold and $12.00 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2018 and achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates, consolidated unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for copper mines are expected to average $1.01 per pound of copper for the year 2018. The impact of price changes on consolidated unit net cash costs would approximate $0.025 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold and $0.02 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum for the remainder of 2018. Quarterly unit net cash costs vary with fluctuations in sales volumes and realized prices, primarily for gold and molybdenum.

MINING OPERATIONS
North America Copper Mines. FCX operates seven open-pit copper mines in North America - Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita and Miami in Arizona, and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico. In addition to copper, certain of FCX's North America copper mines produce molybdenum concentrate, gold and silver.
All of the North America mining operations are wholly owned, except for Morenci. FCX records its 72 percent undivided joint venture interest in Morenci using the proportionate consolidation method.
Operating and Development Activities. FCX has significant undeveloped reserves and resources in North America and a portfolio of potential long-term development projects. Future investments will be undertaken based on the results of economic and technical feasibility studies, and are dependent on market conditions. FCX continues to study opportunities to reduce the capital intensity of its potential long-term development projects.
Through exploration drilling, FCX has identified a significant resource at its wholly owned Lone Star project located near the Safford operation in eastern Arizona. FCX has commenced an initial project to develop the Lone Star oxide ores with first production expected by the end of 2020. Total estimated capital costs, including mine equipment and pre-production stripping, approximate $850 million and will benefit from the utilization of existing infrastructure at the adjacent Safford operation. At March 31, 2018, approximately $35 million has been incurred for this project. Production from the Lone Star oxide ores is expected to average approximately 200 million pounds of copper per year with an approximate 20-year mine life. The project also advances the potential for development of a larger-scale district opportunity. FCX is conducting additional drilling to follow up on positive exploration results as it continues to evaluate longer term opportunities available from the significant long-term sulfide potential in the Lone Star/Safford minerals district.
Operating Data. Following is summary consolidated operating data for the North America copper mines for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

 

2017

Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)

Production

348

392

Sales, excluding purchases

384

375

Average realized price per pound

$

3.16

$

2.68

 

Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)

Productiona

7

9

 

Unit net cash costs per pound of copperb

Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments

$

1.84

$

1.50

By-product credits

(0.20

)

(0.15

)

Treatment charges

0.10

 

0.11

 

Unit net cash costs

$

1.74

 

$

1.46

 

a.

Refer to summary operating data on page 3 for FCX's consolidated molybdenum sales, which includes sales of molybdenum produced at the North America copper mines.

b.

For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page X, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

North America's consolidated copper sales volumes of 384 million pounds in first-quarter 2018 were higher than first-quarter 2017 sales of 375 million pounds, primarily reflecting timing of shipments. North America copper sales are estimated to approximate 1.5 billion pounds for the year 2018, compared with 1.5 billion pounds in 2017.
Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for the North America copper mines of $1.74 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2018 were higher than unit net cash costs of $1.46 per pound in first-quarter 2017, primarily reflecting higher repair and maintenance costs.
Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for the North America copper mines are expected to approximate $1.71 per pound of copper for the year 2018, based on achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming an average molybdenum price of $12.00 per pound for the remainder of 2018. North America's average unit net cash costs for the year 2018 would change by approximately $0.03 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum for the remainder of 2018.
South America Mining. FCX operates two copper mines in South America - Cerro Verde in Peru (in which FCX owns a 53.56 percent interest) and El Abra in Chile (in which FCX owns a 51 percent interest). These operations are consolidated in FCX's financial statements. In addition to copper, the Cerro Verde mine produces molybdenum concentrate and silver.
Operating and Development Activities. The Cerro Verde expansion project, which commenced operations in September 2015, achieved capacity operating rates in early 2016. The project expanded the concentrator facilities' capacity from 120,000 metric tons of ore per day to 360,000 metric tons of ore per day. Cerro Verde's expanded operations benefit from its large-scale, long-lived reserves and cost efficiencies. The project has continued to perform well, with average mill throughput rates of 385,500 metric tons of ore per day in first-quarter 2018, including a daily record of 462,900 metric tons of ore.
Exploration results at El Abra indicate a significant sulfide resource, which could potentially support a major mill project similar to facilities recently constructed at Cerro Verde. FCX continues to evaluate a major expansion at El Abra to process additional sulfide material and to achieve higher recoveries. Future investments will depend on technical studies, which are being advanced, economic factors and market conditions.
Operating Data. Following is summary consolidated operating data for the South America mining operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

 

 

2017

Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)

Production

293

304

Sales

290

309

Average realized price per pound

$

3.08

$

2.66

 

Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)

Productiona

6

6

 

Unit net cash costs per pound of copperb

Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments

$

1.78

$

1.48

By-product credits

(0.25

)

(0.18

)

Treatment charges

0.20

0.22

Royalty on metals

0.01

 

0.01

 

Unit net cash costs

$

1.74

 

$

1.53

 

a.

Refer to summary operating data on page 3 for FCX's consolidated molybdenum sales, which includes sales of molybdenum produced at Cerro Verde.

b.

For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page X, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

South America's consolidated copper sales volumes of 290 million pounds in first-quarter 2018 were lower than first-quarter 2017 sales of 309 million pounds, primarily reflecting lower ore grades and recovery rates at Cerro Verde. Sales from South America mining are expected to approximate 1.2 billion pounds of copper for the year 2018, compared with 1.2 billion pounds of copper in 2017.
Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for South America mining of $1.74 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2018 were higher than unit net cash costs of $1.53 per pound in first-quarter 2017, primarily reflecting higher mining rates and lower ore grades. Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for South America mining are expected to approximate $1.64 per pound of copper for the year 2018, based on current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming an average price of $12.00 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2018.
Indonesia Mining. Through its 90.64 percent owned and consolidated subsidiary PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI), FCX's assets include one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits at the Grasberg minerals district in Papua, Indonesia. PT-FI operates a proportionately consolidated joint venture, which produces copper concentrate that contains significant quantities of gold and silver.
Regulatory Matters. PT-FI continues to actively engage with Indonesian government officials to address regulatory changes that conflict with its contractual rights in a manner that provides long-term stability for PT-FI's operations and investment plans, and protects value for FCX's shareholders.
Following a framework understanding reached in August 2017, the parties have been engaged in negotiation and documentation of a special license (IUPK) and accompanying documentation for assurances on legal and fiscal terms to provide PT-FI with long-term mining rights through 2041. In addition, the IUPK would provide that PT-FI construct a smelter within five years of reaching a definitive agreement and include agreement for the divestment of 51 percent of the project area interests to Indonesian participants at fair market value.
In late 2017, the Indonesian government (including the regional government of Papua Province and Mimika Regency) and PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum), a state-owned enterprise, which leads the Indonesian government's consortium of investors, formed a special purpose company to acquire Grasberg project area interests. Inalum is owned 100 percent by the Indonesian government and currently holds 9.36 percent of PT-FI's outstanding common stock.
FCX continues to engage with Inalum and PT-FI's joint venture partner on potential arrangements that would result in the Inalum consortium acquiring interests that would meet the Indonesian government's 51 percent ownership objective in a manner satisfactory to all parties, and in a structure that would provide for continuity of FCX's management of PT-FI's operations and governance of the business. The parties continue to negotiate documentation on a comprehensive agreement for PT-FI's extended operations and to reach agreement on timing, process and governance matters relating to the divestment. The parties have a mutual objective of completing negotiations and the required documentation as soon as possible.
PT-FI is also engaged in discussions with Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry regarding approval of pending environmental permits and April 2018 ministerial actions imposing new environmental standards, which are subject to a six-month transition period and conflict with PT-FI's approved environmental management programs. Resolution of these matters is a requirement for concluding a comprehensive agreement for PT-FI's extended operations.
In December 2017, the Indonesian government extended PT-FI's temporary IUPK to June 30, 2018, to enable normal operations to continue during the negotiation period. In February 2018, PT-FI's export license was extended to February 15, 2019. Until a definitive agreement is reached, PT-FI has reserved all rights under its Contract of Work (COW), including dispute resolution procedures.
Operating and Development Activities. PT-FI is currently mining the final phase of the Grasberg open pit, which contains high copper and gold ore grades. PT-FI expects to mine high-grade ore until transitioning to the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in the first half of 2019.
PT-FI has several projects in the Grasberg minerals district related to the development of its large-scale, long-lived, high-grade underground ore bodies. In aggregate, these underground ore bodies are expected to produce large-scale quantities of copper and gold following the transition from the Grasberg open pit. Substantial progress has been made to prepare for the transition to mining of the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine. Mine development activities are sufficiently advanced to commence caving by early 2019. The ore flow system and underground rail line are expected to be installed during 2018.
PT-FI continues to review its mine plan for the Deep Mill Level Zone underground mine, which is currently in pre-commercial production. In response to recent mining-induced seismic activity, the development plans have been revised to a slower start-up to full production to manage rock stress encountered in the early phase of cave development.
Subject to reaching a definitive agreement with the Indonesian government to support PT-FI's long-term investment plans, estimated annual capital spending on these projects would average $0.8 billion per year ($0.7 billion per year net to PT-FI) over the next five years. Considering the long-term nature and size of these projects, actual costs could vary from these estimates. In response to market conditions and Indonesian regulatory uncertainty, the timing of these expenditures continues to be reviewed. If PT-FI is unable to reach a definitive agreement with the Indonesian government on its long-term mining rights, FCX intends to reduce or defer investments significantly in its underground development projects and will pursue dispute resolution procedures under its COW.
Operating Data. Following is summary consolidated operating data for the Indonesia mining operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

2017

Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)

Production

311

155

Sales

319

125

Average realized price per pound

$

3.06

$

2.63

 

Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)

Production

595

232

Sales

603

177

Average realized price per ounce

$

1,312

$

1,229

 

Unit net cash (credits) costs per pound of coppera

Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments

$

1.36

$

2.13

Gold and silver credits

(2.59

)

(1.88

)

Treatment charges

0.25

0.28

Export duties

0.14

0.11

Royalty on metals

0.21

 

0.16

 

Unit net cash (credits) costs

$

(0.63

)

$

0.80

 

a.

For a reconciliation of unit net cash (credits) costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page X, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

Indonesia's consolidated sales of 319 million pounds of copper and 603 thousand ounces of gold in first-quarter 2018 were higher than first-quarter 2017 sales of 125 million pounds of copper and 177 thousand ounces of gold, primarily reflecting higher operating rates and gold ore grades. Lower operating rates in first-quarter 2017 reflected the regulatory restrictions on PT-FI's concentrate exports from mid-January 2017 to mid-April 2017.
During first-quarter 2018, Indonesia mining's copper and gold production was adversely affected by lower- than-expected mill throughput rates associated with maintenance activities on PT-FI's ore-flow systems and the characteristics of ore processed during the quarter. Corrective actions are being taken to restore reliability and productivity.
Assuming achievement of planned operating rates for the remainder of 2018, consolidated sales volumes from Indonesia mining are expected to approximate 1.15 billion pounds of copper and 2.4 million ounces of gold for the year 2018, compared with 1.0 billion pounds of copper and 1.5 million ounces of gold for the year 2017.
A significant portion of PT-FI's costs are fixed and unit costs vary depending on production volumes and other factors. As a result of higher sales volumes and gold and silver credits, Indonesia had unit net cash credits (including gold and silver credits) of $0.63 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2018, compared with unit net cash costs of $0.80 per pound in first-quarter 2017.
Assuming an average gold price of $1,300 per ounce for the remainder of 2018 and achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates, unit net cash credits (including gold and silver credits) for Indonesia mining are expected to approximate $0.55 per pound of copper for the year 2018. Indonesia mining's unit net cash credits for the year 2018 would change by approximately $0.09 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold for the remainder of 2018. Because of the fixed nature of a large portion of Indonesia's costs, unit net cash credits/costs vary from quarter to quarter depending on copper and gold volumes.
Indonesia mining's projected sales volumes and unit net cash credits for the year 2018 are dependent on a number of factors, including operational performance, workforce productivity, timing of shipments, and Indonesia regulatory matters, including the resolution of PT-FI's long-term mining rights or an extension of PT-FI's temporary IUPK after June 30, 2018.
Molybdenum Mines. FCX has two wholly owned molybdenum mines - the Henderson underground mine and the Climax open-pit mine - both in Colorado. The Henderson and Climax mines produce high-purity, chemical-grade molybdenum concentrate, which is typically further processed into value-added molybdenum chemical products. The majority of molybdenum concentrate produced at the Henderson and Climax mines, as well as from FCX's North America and South America copper mines, is processed at FCX's conversion facilities.
Operating and Development Activities. Production from the Molybdenum mines totaled 9 million pounds of molybdenum in first-quarter 2018 and 8 million pounds in first-quarter 2017. Refer to summary operating data on page 3 for FCX's consolidated molybdenum sales and average realized prices, which includes sales of molybdenum produced at the Molybdenum mines, and from FCX's North America and South America copper mines.
Unit net cash costs for the Molybdenum mines averaged $8.57 per pound of molybdenum in first-quarter 2018 and $7.02 per pound in first-quarter 2017. Based on current sales volume and cost estimates, average unit net cash costs for the Molybdenum mines are expected to approximate $8.75 per pound of molybdenum for the year 2018.
For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedules, "Product Revenues and Production Costs," beginning on page X, which are available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."
Mining Exploration Activities. FCX's mining exploration activities are generally associated with its existing mines, focusing on opportunities to expand reserves and resources to support development of additional future production capacity. A drilling program to further delineate the Lone Star resource continues to indicate additional mineralization in this district. Exploration results continue to indicate opportunities for significant future potential reserve additions in North America and South America. Exploration spending is expected to approximate $72 million for the year 2018, consistent with the year 2017.

CASH FLOWS, CASH and DEBT
Operating Cash Flows. FCX generated operating cash flows of $1.4 billion (net of $21 million in working capital uses and timing of other tax payments) in first-quarter 2018.
Based on current sales volume and cost estimates, and assuming average prices of $3.15 per pound of copper, $1,300 per ounce of gold and $12.00 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2018, FCX's consolidated operating cash flows are estimated to approximate $5.6 billion for the year 2018 (including $0.2 billion in working capital sources and timing of other tax payments). The impact of price changes during the remainder of 2018 on operating cash flows would approximate $250 million for each $0.10 per pound change in the average price of copper, $90 million for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold and $85 million for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum.
Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures totaled $402 million for first-quarter 2018 (including approximately $250 million for major mining projects). Capital expenditures are expected to approximate $2.0 billion for the year 2018, including $1.1 billion for major mining projects primarily associated with underground development activities in the Grasberg minerals district and development of the Lone Star oxide project.
If PT-FI is unable to reach a definitive agreement with the Indonesian government on its long-term mining rights, FCX intends to reduce or defer investments significantly in its underground development projects and will pursue dispute resolution procedures under its COW.
Cash. Following is a summary of the U.S. and international components of consolidated cash and cash equivalents available to the parent company, net of noncontrolling interests' share, taxes and other costs at March 31, 2018 (in billions):


Cash at domestic companies

 

 

$

2.5

Cash at international operations

1.2

 

Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents

3.7

Noncontrolling interests' share

(0.4

)

Cash, net of noncontrolling interests' share

3.3

Withholding taxes and other

(0.1

)

Net cash available

$

3.2

 

Debt. Following is a summary of total debt and the related weighted-average interest rates at March 31, 2018 (in billions, except percentages):

 

 

 

Weighted-

Average

Interest Rate

Senior Notes

$

10.4

4.7%

Cerro Verde credit facility

1.2

 

3.8%

Total debt

$

11.6

 

4.6%

During first-quarter 2018, FCX repaid borrowings totaling $1.5 billion, consisting of $1.4 billion for senior notes due March 2018 and $0.1 billion for the Cerro Verde credit facility.
In April 2018, FCX redeemed $404 million of senior notes due 2022 and $50 million of senior notes due 2023. FCX expects to record a gain of $10 million in second-quarter 2018 related to these redemptions, and the aggregate annual cash interest savings approximate $30 million.
At March 31, 2018, FCX had no borrowings, $13 million in letters of credit issued and $3.5 billion available under its revolving credit facility. During April 2018, FCX entered into a new $3.5 billion, five-year revolving credit facility with substantially similar structure and terms as its prior facility, which was scheduled to mature in May 2019.
FINANCIAL POLICY
In February 2018, the Board reinstated a cash dividend on FCX common stock. On March 28, 2018, FCX declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, which will be paid on May 1, 2018, to shareholders of record as of April 13, 2018. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of the Board and will depend upon FCX's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
WEBCAST INFORMATION
A conference call with securities analysts to discuss FCX's first-quarter 2018 results is scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be broadcast on the Internet along with slides. Interested parties may listen to the conference call live and view the slides by accessing "fcx.com." A replay of the webcast will be available through Friday, May 25, 2018.
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FCX is a leading international mining company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. FCX operates large, long-lived, geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable reserves of copper, gold and molybdenum. FCX is the world's largest publicly traded copper producer. FCX's portfolio of assets includes the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia, one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits; and significant mining operations in the Americas, including the large-scale Morenci minerals district in North America and the Cerro Verde operation in South America. Additional information about FCX is available on FCX's website at "fcx.com."
Cautionary Statement and Regulation G Disclosure: This press release contains forward-looking statements in which FCX discusses its potential future performance. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical facts, such as projections or expectations relating to ore grades and milling rates, production and sales volumes, unit net cash costs, operating cash flows, capital expenditures, exploration efforts and results, development and production activities and costs, liquidity, tax rates, the impact of copper, gold and molybdenum price changes, the impact of deferred intercompany profits on earnings, reserve estimates, future dividend payments, and share purchases and sales. The words "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be," "potential" and any similar expressions are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of the Board and will depend on FCX's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
FCX cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause FCX's actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include supply of and demand for, and prices of, copper, gold and molybdenum; mine sequencing; production rates; potential inventory adjustments; potential impairment of long-lived mining assets; the outcome of negotiations with the Indonesian government regarding PT-FI's long-term mining rights; the potential effects of violence in Indonesia generally and in the province of Papua; industry risks; regulatory changes; political risks; labor relations; weather- and climate-related risks; environmental risks (including resolution of the administrative sanctions and other environmental matters pending before Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry); litigation results (including the final disposition of Indonesian tax disputes and the outcome of Cerro Verde's royalty dispute with the Peruvian national tax authority); and other factors described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in FCX's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as updated by FCX's subsequent filings with the SEC. With respect to FCX's operations in Indonesia, such factors include whether PT-FI will be able to resolve complex regulatory matters in Indonesia by June 30, 2018, or obtain an extension of its temporary IUPK after June 30, 2018.
Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions upon which FCX's forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after the forward-looking statements are made, including for example commodity prices, which FCX cannot control, and production volumes and costs, some aspects of which FCX may not be able to control. Further, FCX may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. FCX cautions investors that it does not intend to update forward-looking statements more frequently than quarterly notwithstanding any changes in its assumptions, changes in business plans, actual experience or other changes, and FCX undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
This press release also contains certain financial measures such as unit net cash (credits) costs per pound of copper and molybdenum and adjusted net income, which are not recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As required by SEC Regulation G, reconciliations of these measures to amounts reported in FCX's consolidated financial statements are in the supplemental schedules of this press release, which are also available on FCX's website, "fcx.com."

FREEPORT-McMoRan INC.

SELECTED OPERATING DATA

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

2018

2017

MINING OPERATIONS:

Production

Sales

COPPER (millions of recoverable pounds)

(FCX's net interest in %)

North America

Morenci (72%)a

169

181

187

172

Bagdad (100%)

49

40

51

38

Safford (100%)

33

42

36

43

Sierrita (100%)

41

41

44

38

Miami (100%)

4

5

5

5

Chino (100%)

38

62

45

60

Tyrone (100%)

13

20

15

18

Other (100%)

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

Total North America

348

 

392

 

384

 

375

 

 

South America

Cerro Verde (53.56%)

243

262

242

268

El Abra (51%)

50

 

42

 

48

 

41

 

Total South America

293

 

304

 

290

 

309

 

 

Indonesia

Grasberg (90.64%)b

311

 

155

 

319

 

125

 

Total

952

851

993

c

809

c

Less noncontrolling interests

167

 

157

 

166

 

156

 

Net

785

 

694

 

827

 

653

 

 

Average realized price per pound

$

3.11

$

2.67

 

GOLD (thousands of recoverable ounces)

(FCX's net interest in %)

North America (100%)

4

7

7

5

Indonesia (90.64%)b

595

 

232

 

603

 

177

 

Consolidated

599

239

610

182

Less noncontrolling interests

55

 

22

 

57

 

17

 

Net

544

 

217

 

553

 

165

 

 

Average realized price per ounce

$

1,312

$

1,229

 

MOLYBDENUM (millions of recoverable pounds)

(FCX's net interest in %)

Henderson (100%)

4

3

N/A

N/A

Climax (100%)

5

5

N/A

N/A

North America copper mines (100%)a

7

9

N/A

N/A

Cerro Verde (53.56%)

6

 

6

 

N/A

N/A

Consolidated

22

23

24

24

Less noncontrolling interests

3

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

Net

19

 

20

 

21

 

21

 

 

Average realized price per pound

$

11.95

$

8.71

 

 

a. Amounts are net of Morenci's undivided joint venture partners' interests.

 

b. Amounts are net of Grasberg's joint venture partner's interest, which varies in accordance with the terms of the joint venture agreement.

 

c. Consolidated sales volumes exclude purchased copper of 74 million pounds in first-quarter 2018 and 58 million pounds in first-quarter 2017.

FREEPORT-McMoRan INC.

SELECTED OPERATING DATA (continued)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

100% North America Copper Mines

Solution Extraction/Electrowinning (SX/EW) Operations

Leach ore placed in stockpiles (metric tons per day)

674,600

701,800

Average copper ore grade (percent)

0.27

0.28

Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)

262

277

 

Mill Operations

Ore milled (metric tons per day)

288,600

303,800

Average ore grades (percent):

Copper

0.35

0.41

Molybdenum

0.02

0.03

Copper recovery rate (percent)

88.0

86.4

Production (millions of recoverable pounds):

Copper

151

186

Molybdenum

7

9

 

100% South America Mining

SX/EW Operations

Leach ore placed in stockpiles (metric tons per day)

168,000

120,100

Average copper ore grade (percent)

0.33

0.42

Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)

67

66

 

Mill Operations

Ore milled (metric tons per day)

385,500

338,900

Average ore grades (percent):

Copper

0.39

0.44

Molybdenum

0.01

0.02

Copper recovery rate (percent)

79.0

84.5

Production (millions of recoverable pounds):

Copper

226

238

Molybdenum

6

6

 

100% Indonesia Mining

Ore milled (metric tons per day):a

Grasberg open pit

125,200

53,600

Deep Ore Zone underground mine

39,400

26,100

Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) underground mineb

2,600

3,200

Grasberg Block Cave underground mineb

4,000

2,600

Big Gossan underground mineb

2,400

 

1,700

Total

173,600

 

87,200

Average ore grades:

Copper (percent)

1.12

1.15

Gold (grams per metric ton)

1.63

1.17

Recovery rates (percent):

Copper

92.0

92.2

Gold

84.7

84.8

Production (recoverable):

Copper (millions of pounds)

340

172

Gold (thousands of ounces)

673

241

 

100% Molybdenum Mines

Ore milled (metric tons per day)

23,100

21,600

Average molybdenum ore grade (percent)

0.21

0.21

Molybdenum production (millions of recoverable pounds)

9

8

 

a.

Amounts represent the approximate average daily throughput processed at PT Freeport Indonesia's (PT-FI) mill facilities from each producing mine and from development activities that result in metal production.

 

b.

Targeted production rates once the DMLZ underground mine reaches full capacity are expected to approximate 80,000 metric tons of ore per day in 2021; production from the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine is expected to commence in the first half of 2019, and production from the Big Gossan underground mine restarted in fourth-quarter 2017.

FREEPORT-McMoRan INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017a

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Revenuesb

$

4,868

$

3,341

Cost of sales:

Production and delivery

2,808

2,188

c

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

451

 

389

 

Total cost of sales

3,259

2,577

Selling, general and administrative expenses

131

151

c

Mining exploration and research expenses

21

14

Environmental obligations and shutdown costs

9

25

Net gain on sales of assets

(11

)

(23

)

Total costs and expenses

3,409

 

2,744

 

Operating income

1,459

597

Interest expense, netd

(151

)

(167

)

Other income, net

28

 

e

8

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings

1,336

438

Provision for income taxesf

(506

)

(174

)

Equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings

(2

)

4

 

Net income from continuing operations

828

268

Net (loss) income from discontinued operationsg

(11

)

38

 

Net income

817

306

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:

Continuing operations

(125

)

(75

)

Discontinued operations

 

(3

)

Net income attributable to FCX common stockh

$

692

 

$

228

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stock:

Continuing operations

$

0.48

$

0.13

Discontinued operations

(0.01

)

0.03

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.16

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

Basic

1,449

 

1,446

 

Diluted

1,458

 

1,454

 

 

Dividends declared per share of common stock

$

0.05

 

$

 

a.

The adoption of accounting guidance related to the presentation of retirement benefits resulted in the reclassification of the non-service components of net periodic benefit cost to other income, net.

b.

Revenues include adjustments to provisionally priced concentrate and cathode sales. For a summary of adjustments to provisionally priced copper sales, refer to the supplemental schedule, "Derivative Instruments," on page VII.

c.

Includes net mining and oil and gas charges that are summarized in the supplemental schedule, "Adjusted Net Income," on page VI.

d.

Consolidated interest costs (before capitalization) totaled $176 million in first-quarter 2018 and $195 million in first-quarter 2017.

e.

Includes interest received with the refund of PT-FI's prior years' tax receivables, which is summarized in the supplemental schedule, "Adjusted Net Income," on page VI.

f.

For a summary of FCX's provision for income taxes, refer to the supplemental schedule, "Income Taxes," on page VI.

g.

Primarily reflects adjustments to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of FCX's interest in TF Holdings Limited (TFHL), which will continue to be adjusted through December 31, 2019.

h.

FCX defers recognizing profits on intercompany sales until final sales to third parties occur. Refer to the supplemental schedule, "Deferred Profits," on page VII for a summary of net impacts from changes in these deferrals.

 

FREEPORT-McMoRan INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31,

December 31,

2018

2017

(In Millions)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3,702

$

4,447

Trade accounts receivable

1,222

1,246

Income and other tax receivables

222

325

Inventories:

Mill and leach stockpiles

1,448

1,422

Materials and supplies, net

1,335

1,305

Product

1,102

1,166

Other current assets

367

270

Held for sale

708

 

598

 

Total current assets

10,106

10,779

Property, plant, equipment and mine development costs, net

22,792

22,844

Long-term mill and leach stockpiles

1,387

1,409

Other assets

2,352

 

2,270

 

Total assets

$

36,637

 

$

37,302

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

2,209

$

2,321

Accrued income taxes

749

565

Current portion of debt

483

1,414

Current portion of environmental and asset retirement obligations

396

388

Dividends payable

72

Held for sale

435

 

350

 

Total current liabilities

4,344

5,038

Long-term debt, less current portion

11,123

11,703

Deferred income taxes

3,642

3,622

Environmental and asset retirement obligations, less current portion

3,630

3,631

Other liabilities

1,972

 

2,012

 

Total liabilities

24,711

26,006

 

Equity:

Stockholders' equity:

Common stock

158

158

Capital in excess of par value

26,729

26,751

Accumulated deficit

(14,030

)

(14,722

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(475

)

(487

)

Common stock held in treasury

(3,726

)

(3,723

)

Total stockholders' equity

8,656

7,977

Noncontrolling interests

3,270

 

3,319

 

Total equity

11,926

 

11,296

 

Total liabilities and equity

$

36,637

 

$

37,302

 

FREEPORT-McMoRan INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

2017

(In Millions)

Cash flow from operating activities:

Net income

$

817

$

306

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

451

389

Net gain on sales of assets

(11

)

(23

)

Stock-based compensation

49

34

Payments for Cerro Verde royalty dispute

(10

)

(11

)

Net charges for environmental and asset retirement obligations, including accretion

53

71

Payments for environmental and asset retirement obligations

(38

)

(33

)

Net charges for defined pension and postretirement plans

18

33

Pension plan contributions

(24

)

(30

)

Deferred income taxes

22

20

Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operations

11

(32

)

Decrease in long-term mill and leach stockpiles

22

8

Oil and gas contract settlement payments

(70

)

Other, net

30

(59

)

Changes in working capital and other tax payments:

Accounts receivable

136

623

Inventories

(142

)

(135

)

Other current assets

(42

)

(13

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(96

)

(433

)

Accrued income taxes and timing of other tax payments

123

 

147

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,369

 

792

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

Capital expenditures:

North America copper mines

(92

)

(28

)

South America

(67

)

(15

)

Indonesia

(203

)

(244

)

Molybdenum mines

(1

)

(1

)

Other

(39

)

(56

)

Intangible water rights and other, net

(90

)

(17

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(492

)

(361

)

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

Proceeds from debt

122

157

Repayments of debt

(1,633

)

(815

)

Cash dividends paid:

Common stock

(1

)

Noncontrolling interests

(80

)

(15

)

Stock-based awards net proceeds (payments)

3

 

(5

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(1,588

)

(679

)

 

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

(711

)

(248

)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale

32

8

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of year

4,631

 

4,403

 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of perioda

$

3,952

 

$

4,163

 

a.

Includes restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents of $250 million at March 31, 2018, and $162 million at March 31, 2017.

FREEPORT-McMoRan INC.

ADJUSTED NET INCOME

Adjusted net income is intended to provide investors and others with information about FCX's recurring operating performance. This information differs from net income attributable to common stock determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. FCX's adjusted net income follows, which may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies (in millions, except per share amounts).

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

2017

Pre-tax

 

After-taxa

 

Per Share

Pre-tax

 

After-taxa

 

Per Share

Net income attributable to common stock

N/A

 

$

692

 

$

0.47

 

N/A

 

$

228

 

$

0.16

 

 

PT-FI charges for workforce reductions

$

$

$

$

(21

)

$

(11

)

$

(0.01

)

Morenci asset impairment charge

(19

)

(19

)

(0.01

)

Net oil and gas charges

(1

)

b

(1

)

Net adjustments to environmental obligations and related litigation reserves

(19

)

(19

)

(0.01

)

Net gain on sales of assets

11

c

11

0.01

23

23

0.01

PT-FI interest on tax refund

24

d

13

0.01

(Loss) gain on discontinued operationse

(11

)

(11

)

(0.01

)

41

 

35

 

0.03

 

$

24

 

$

13

 

$

0.01

 

$

4

 

$

8

 

$

0.01

 

 

Adjusted net income attributable to common stock

N/A

$

679

$

0.46

N/A

$

220

$

0.15

a.

Reflects impact to FCX net income attributable to common stock (i.e., net of any taxes and noncontrolling interests).

b.

Includes charges totaling $21 million in selling, general and administrative expenses for contract termination costs, mostly offset by adjustments of $20 million in production and delivery costs for contingent payments related to 2016 drillship settlements.

c.

Reflects adjustments to the estimated fair value of the potential $150 million in contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of onshore California oil and gas properties, which will continue to be adjusted through December 31, 2020.

d.

Reflects interest received with the refund of prior years' tax receivables.

e.

Primarily reflects adjustments to the estimated fair value of the potential $120 million in contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of FCX's interest in TFHL, which will continue to be adjusted through December 31, 2019.

INCOME TAXES
Following is a summary of the approximate amounts used in the calculation of FCX's consolidated income tax provision for three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions, except percentages):

Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

 

2017

 

Income Tax

 

 

Income Tax

Effective

(Provision)

Effective

(Provision)

Incomea

Tax Rate

Benefit

Incomea

Tax Rate

Benefit

U.S.

$

170

(2)%

$

4

$

10

70%

$

(7

)

South America

183

39%

(72

)

260

39%

(101

)

Indonesia

933

43%

(401

)

152

44%

(67

)

Eliminations and other

50

N/A

(3

)

16

N/A

(1

)

Rate adjustmentb

 

N/A

(34

)

 

N/A

2

 

Continuing operations

$

1,336

 

38%

c

$

(506

)

$

438

 

40%

$

(174

)

a.

Represents income from continuing operations by geographic location before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net (losses) earnings.

b.

In accordance with applicable accounting rules, FCX adjusts its interim provision for income taxes equal to its consolidated tax rate.

c.

The consolidated effective income tax rate is a function of the combined effective tax rates for the jurisdictions in which FCX operates. Accordingly, variations in the relative proportions of jurisdictional income result in fluctuations to FCX's consolidated effective income tax rate. Assuming achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates and average prices of $3.15 per pound for copper, $1,300 per ounce for gold and $12.00 per pound for molybdenum for the remainder of 2018, FCX estimates its consolidated effective tax rate for the year 2018 will approximate 36 percent and would decrease with higher prices.