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

• Net income attributable to common stock totaled $31 million, $0.02 per share, in first-quarter 2019. After adjusting for net charges of $36 million, $0.03 per share, first-quarter 2019 adjusted net income attributable to common stock totaled $67 million, $0.05 per share.
• Consolidated sales totaled 784 million pounds of copper, 242 thousand ounces of gold and 22 million pounds of molybdenum in first-quarter 2019.
• Consolidated sales for the year 2019 are expected to approximate 3.3 billion pounds of copper, 0.8 million ounces of gold and 94 million pounds of molybdenum, including 800 million pounds of copper, 265 thousand ounces of gold and 25 million pounds of molybdenum in second-quarter 2019.
• Average realized prices in first-quarter 2019 were $2.90 per pound for copper, $1,291 per ounce for gold and $12.69 per pound for molybdenum.
• Average unit net cash costs in first-quarter 2019 were $1.78 per pound of copper and are expected to approximate $1.75 per pound of copper for the year 2019.
• Operating cash flows totaled $534 million (net of $27 million in working capital uses and timing of other tax payments) in first-quarter 2019. Based on current sales volume and cost estimates, and assuming average prices of $3.00 per pound for copper, $1,300 per ounce for gold and $13.00 per pound for molybdenum for the remainder of 2019, operating cash flows are expected to approximate $2.3 billion for the year 2019.
• Capital expenditures totaled $622 million in first-quarter 2019 (including approximately $370 million for major mining projects). Capital expenditures for the year 2019 are expected to approximate $2.5 billion, including $1.5 billion for major mining projects primarily associated with underground development activities in the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia and development of the Lone Star copper leach project in Arizona.
• In March 2019, FCX redeemed all of its outstanding $1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2020.
• At March 31, 2019, consolidated debt totaled $9.9 billion and consolidated cash totaled $2.8 billion. FCX had no borrowings and $3.5 billion available under its revolving credit facility at March 31, 2019.
• On March 27, 2019, FCX declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on its common stock, which will be paid on May 1, 2019.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) reported net income attributable to common stock of $31 million ($0.02 per share) in first-quarter 2019. After adjusting for net charges of $36 million ($0.03 per share), adjusted net income attributable to common stock totaled $67 million ($0.05 per share) in first-quarter 2019. 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 its focus on providing products necessary to support growing economies around the world in a cost-efficient, safe and environmentally responsible manner. Our transition to underground mining at Grasberg is advancing according to plan, and we are encouraged by recent milestones. In North America and South America, we are advancing the Lone Star copper leach project in eastern Arizona and continuing to focus on opportunities to enhance operating performance from existing mines. As we look forward, we are optimistic about the future that our asset base and copper market fundamentals are expected to provide shareholders. Our strategy will continue to focus on maximizing the value of our existing resource base through rigorous cost management, productivity and technology, executing our plan to successfully transition from open-pit mining to large-scale underground mining at Grasberg, generating cash flows to enhance shareholder returns and creating value organically from our large undeveloped resource position.”

^{a.For segment financial results, refer to the supplemental schedules, “Business Segments,” beginning on page VII, which are available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.”}

^{b.Includes favorable (unfavorable) adjustments to prior period provisionally priced concentrate and cathode copper sales totaling $70 million ($29 million to net income attributable to common stock or $0.02 per share) in first-quarter 2019 and $(78) million ($(35) million to net income attributable to common stock or $(0.02) per share) in first-quarter 2018. For further discussion, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Derivative Instruments,” on page VII, which is available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.”}

^{c.Includes net (charges) gains of $(36) million ($(0.03) per share) in first-quarter 2019 and $13 million ($0.01 per share) in first-quarter 2018 that are described in the supplemental schedule, “Adjusted Net Income,” on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.”}

^{d.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.”}

^{e. Net of working capital uses and timing of other tax payments of $27 million in first-quarter 2019 and $21 million in first-quarter 2018.}

^{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 IX, which are available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.”}

Consolidated Sales Volumes

First-quarter 2019 copper sales of 784 million pounds and gold sales of 242 thousand ounces were approximately five percent lower than January 2019 sales estimates of 825 million pounds of copper and 255 thousand ounces of gold, reflecting impacts from weather events at El Abra, unscheduled maintenance in North America and timing of shipments in Indonesia. First-quarter 2019 copper and gold sales were lower than first-quarter 2018 sales volumes primarily reflecting anticipated lower mill rates and ore grades as PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI) transitions mining from the open pit to underground.

First-quarter 2019 molybdenum sales of 22 million pounds were lower than the January 2019 estimate and first-quarter 2018 sales of 24 million pounds.

Sales volumes for the year 2019 are expected to approximate 3.3 billion pounds of copper, 0.8 million ounces of gold and 94 million pounds of molybdenum, including 800 million pounds of copper, 265 thousand ounces of gold and 25 million pounds of molybdenum in second-quarter 2019. As PT-FI transitions mining from the open pit to underground, its production is expected to be significantly lower in 2019 and 2020, compared with 2018. Metal production is expected to improve significantly by 2021 following a ramp-up period.

Consolidated Unit Costs

Consolidated average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for FCX’s copper mines were $1.78 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2019. As anticipated, average unit net cash costs were higher than the first-quarter 2018 average of $0.98 per pound, primarily reflecting lower sales volumes in Indonesia associated with PT-FI’s transition.

Assuming average prices of $1,300 per ounce of gold and $13.00 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2019 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 $1.75 per pound of copper for the year 2019. FCX expects unit net cash costs to decline by 2021 following a ramp-up period at PT-FI. The impact of price changes on consolidated unit net cash costs would approximate $0.01 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 2019. 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 pursue projects to enhance productivity through innovative technologies and 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. An initial project to develop the Lone Star leachable ores commenced in first-quarter 2018, with first production expected by the end of 2020. Initial production from the Lone Star leachable ores is expected to average approximately 200 million pounds of copper per year, with the potential for future expansion options. Total capital costs for the initial project, including mine equipment and pre-production stripping, are expected to approximate $850 million and will benefit from the utilization of existing infrastructure at the adjacent Safford operation. As of March 31, 2019, approximately $385 million has been incurred for this project. The project also advances exposure to a significant sulfide resource. FCX expects to incorporate recent positive drilling and ongoing results in its future development plans.

Operating Data. Following is summary consolidated operating data for the North America copper mines:

^{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 IX, which are available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.”}

North America’s consolidated copper sales volumes of 320 million pounds in first-quarter 2019 were lower than first-quarter 2018 sales of 384 million pounds, primarily reflecting timing of shipments. North America copper sales are estimated to approximate 1.4 billion pounds for the year 2019, similar to 2018.

Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for the North America copper mines of $1.91 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2019 were higher than unit net cash costs of $1.74 per pound in first-quarter 2018, primarily reflecting lower copper sales volumes.

Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for the North America copper mines are expected to approximate $1.91 per pound of copper for the year 2019, based on achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming an average molybdenum price of $13.00 per pound for the remainder of 2019. North America’s average unit net cash costs for the year 2019 would change by approximately $0.03 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum for the remainder of 2019.

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.Cerro Verde’s expanded operations benefit from its large-scale, long-lived reserves and cost efficiencies. Cerro Verde’s concentrator facilities have continued to perform well, with average mill throughput rates of 386,500 metric tons of ore per day in first-quarter 2019. Debottlenecking projects and additional initiatives to enhance operating rates are being advanced.

FCX continues to evaluate a large-scale expansion at El Abra to process additional sulfide material and to achieve higher recoveries. El Abra’s large sulfide resource could potentially support a major mill project similar to facilities constructed at Cerro Verde. Technical and economic studies are being advanced to determine the optimal scope and timing for the project.

Operating Data.Following is summary consolidated operating data for South America mining:

^{a. Refer to summary operating data on page 3 for FCX’s consolidated molybdenum sales, which includes sales ofmolybdenum 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 IX, which are available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.”}

South America’s consolidated copper sales volumes of 290 million pounds in first-quarter 2019 approximated first-quarter 2018, with lower volumes from El Abra being offset by higher volumes at Cerro Verde.

During first-quarter 2019, heavy rainfall and electrical storms resulted in a suspension of El Abra’s crushed leach stacking operations for approximately 35 days; operations resumed in mid-March. The estimated impact of the disruption on FCX’s 2019 consolidated copper production approximates 30 million pounds, approximately half of which was in first-quarter 2019.

Sales from South America mining are expected to approximate 1.3 billion pounds of copper for the year 2019, similar to 2018.

Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for South America mining of $1.59 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2019 were lower than unit net cash costs of $1.74 per pound in first-quarter 2018, primarily reflecting higher by-product credits.

Average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for South America mining are expected to approximate $1.66 per pound of copper for the year 2019, based on current sales volume and cost estimates and assuming an average price of $13.00 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2019.

Indonesia Mining. PT-FI’s assets include one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits at the Grasberg minerals district in Papua, Indonesia. PT-FI produces copper concentrate that contains significant quantities of gold and silver. FCX has a 48.76 percent ownership interest in PT-FI and manages its mining operations. PT-FI is consolidated in FCX’s financial statements.

The transaction completed in December 2018 regarding PT-FI’s long-term mining rights and share ownership provided for FCX and the other pre-transaction PT-FI shareholders to retain the economics of the revenue and cost sharing arrangements under the former joint venture with Rio Tinto. As a result, FCX’s economic interest in PT-FI is expected to approximate 81 percent through 2022.

Operating and Development Activities. PT-FI is currently mining the final phase of the Grasberg open pit and expects to transition to the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mine in mid-2019. PT-FI continues to assess opportunities to recover additional ore from the open pit during the remainder of 2019, subject to mine planning considerations.

PT-FI continues to advance 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.

PT-FI’s estimated annual capital spending on underground mine development projects is expected to average $0.7 billion per year over the next four years, net of scheduled contributions from PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero) (PT Inalum). In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, aggregate costs (before scheduled contributions from PT Inalum), which are expected to average $0.9 billion per year through 2022, will be reflected as an investing activity in FCX’s cash flow statement, and contributions from PT Inalum will be reflected as a financing activity. Considering the long-term nature and size of these projects, actual costs could vary from these estimates.

Substantial progress has been made to prepare for the transition to mining of the GBC underground mine. First undercut blasting occurred in late 2018 and several drawbells have been constructed and blasted to prepare for mining. Cave production is in progress and on schedule. All underground mining levels and the ore flow system are being commissioned. Production rates over the next five years are expected to ramp up to 130,000 metric tons of ore per day.

During third-quarter 2018, PT-FI commenced hydraulic fracturing activities to manage rock stresses and pre-condition the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) underground mine for large-scale production following mining induced seismic activity experienced in 2017 and 2018. Results to date have been effective in managing rock stresses and pre-conditioning the cave. PT-FI expects to commence the ramp-up of production in the DMLZ underground mine by mid-2019 and to reach full production rates of 80,000 metric tons per day in 2022. Estimates of timing of future production continue to be reviewed and may be modified as additional information becomes available.

In connection with completion of the December 2018 transaction, PT-FI committed to construct a new smelter in Indonesia by December 21, 2023. PT-FI has reviewed various process technologies and has initiated front-end engineering and design for the selected technology. The preliminary capital cost estimate for the project is in the $3 billion range and PT-FI intends to pursue financing, commercial and potential partner arrangements for this project. The economics of PT-FI’s share of the new smelter will be shared by PT-FI’s shareholders according to their respective share ownership percentages.

Operating Data. Following is summary consolidated operating data for Indonesia mining:

^{a.For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs (credits) 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 IX, which are available on FCX’s website, “fcx.com.”}

In March 2019, PT-FI’s export license was extended to March 8, 2020. PT-FI’s approved export quota for the current export period totals approximately 180,000 dry metric tons of concentrate, reflecting PT-FI’s production plan submitted to the Indonesian government in November 2018. PT-FI plans to seek approval from the Indonesian government for an increase in its export quota for the current export period.

Indonesia’s consolidated sales of 174 million pounds of copper and 235 thousand ounces of gold in first-quarter 2019 were lower than first-quarter 2018 sales of 319 million pounds of copper and 603 thousand ounces of gold, primarily reflecting anticipated lower mill rates and ore grades as PT-FI transitions mining from the open pit to underground.

As PT-FI transitions mining from the open pit to underground, production is expected to be significantly lower in 2019 and 2020, compared with historical levels. Metal production is expected to improve significantly by 2021 following a ramp-up period. Consolidated sales volumes from Indonesia are expected to approximate 0.6 billion pounds of copper and 0.8 million ounces of gold in 2019.

A significant portion of PT-FI’s costs are fixed and unit costs vary depending on production volumes and other factors. Indonesia’s unit net cash costs (including gold and silver credits) of $1.84 per pound of copper in first-quarter 2019, compared with unit cash credits of $0.63 per pound in first-quarter 2018, primarily reflected lower gold and silver credits and lower copper sales volumes.

Because of the fixed nature of a large portion of Indonesia’s costs, unit net cash costs vary from quarter to quarter depending on copper and gold volumes. Assuming an average gold price of $1,300 per ounce for the remainder of 2019 and achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates, unit net cash costs (including gold and silver credits) for Indonesia mining are expected to approximate $1.54 per pound of copper for the year 2019. Indonesia mining’s unit net cash costs for the year 2019 would change by approximately $0.05 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold for the remainder of 2019.

Indonesia mining’s projected sales volumes and unit net cash costs for the year 2019 are dependent on a number of factors, including operational performance, timing of shipments, export quotas and workforce productivity.

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 8 million pounds of molybdenum in first-quarter 2019 and 9 million pounds in first-quarter 2018. 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 $9.80 per pound of molybdenum in first-quarter 2019 and $8.57 per pound in first-quarter 2018. Based on current sales volume and cost estimates, average unit net cash costs for the Molybdenum mines are expected to approximate $9.60 per pound of molybdenum for the year 2019.

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 IX, 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 significant additional mineralization in this district, with higher ore grades than FCX’s other North America copper mines. Exploration results continue to indicate opportunities for significant future potential reserve additions in North America and South America. Exploration spending is expected to approximate $70 million for the year 2019, compared with $78 million in 2018.

CASH FLOWS, CASH and DEBT

Operating Cash Flows.FCX generated operating cash flows of $534 million (net of $27 million in working capital uses and timing of other tax payments) in first-quarter 2019.

Based on current sales volume and cost estimates, and assuming average prices of $3.00 per pound of copper, $1,300 per ounce of gold and $13.00 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2019, FCX’s consolidated operating cash flows are estimated to approximate $2.3 billion for the year 2019. The impact of price changes during the remainder of 2019 on operating cash flows would approximate $265 million for each $0.10 per pound change in the average price of copper, $30 million for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold and $95 million for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum.

Capital Expenditures.Capital expenditures totaled $622 million in first-quarter 2019 (including approximately $370 million for major mining projects).

Capital expenditures are expected to approximate $2.5 billion for the year 2019, including $1.5 billion for major mining projects primarily associated with underground development activities in the Grasberg minerals district and development of the Lone Star project, and exclude estimates associated with the new smelter in Indonesia. A large portion of the capital expenditures relate to projects that are expected to add significant production and cash flow in future periods, enabling FCX to generate operating cash flows exceeding capital expenditures in future years. FCX has cash on hand and the financial flexibility to fund these expenditures and will continue to be disciplined in deploying capital.

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, 2019 (in billions):

^{a. Rounds to less than $0.1 billion.}

Debt.At March 31, 2019, FCX’s consolidated debt totaled $9.9 billion, with a related weighted-average interest rate of 4.7 percent. FCX had no borrowings, $13 million in letters of credit issued and $3.5 billion available under its revolving credit facility at March 31, 2019.

During first-quarter 2019, FCX redeemed all of its outstanding $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.100% Senior Notes due 2020 and repaid $200 million under Cerro Verde’s credit facility. FCX recorded losses on early extinguishment of debt totaling $6 million in first-quarter 2019.

FINANCIAL POLICY

On March 27, 2019, FCX declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on its common stock, which will be paid on May 1, 2019, to shareholders of record as of April 15, 2019. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors (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 2019 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 24, 2019.

———————————————————————————————————–

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 one of the world’s largest publicly traded copper producers.

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 North America and South America, including the large-scale Morenci minerals district in Arizona and the Cerro Verde operation in Peru. 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; FCX’s expectations regarding its share of PT-FI’s net income and future cash flows through 2022; PT-FI’s development, financing, construction and completion of a new smelter in Indonesia; PT-FI’s compliance with environmental standards under the new framework established by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry; exploration efforts and results; development and production activities, rates and costs; liquidity; tax rates; export quotas and duties; the impact of copper, gold and molybdenum price changes; the impact of deferred intercompany profits on earnings; reserve estimates; and future dividend payments, 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, expected, 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, but are not limited to, supply of and demand for, and prices of, copper, gold and molybdenum; mine sequencing; production rates; timing of shipments; results of feasibility studies; potential inventory adjustments; potential impairment of long-lived mining assets; the potential effects of violence in Indonesia generally and in the province of Papua; the Indonesian government’s approval of an increase in PT-FI’s export quota for the current export period, which ends March 8, 2020, and extension of PT-FI’s export license after March 8, 2020; risks associated with underground mining; satisfaction of requirements in accordance with PT-FI’s IUPK to extend mining rights from 2031 through 2041; industry risks; regulatory changes; political and social risks; labor relations; weather- and climate-related risks; environmental risks; litigation results; cybersecurity incidents; 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, 2018, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as updated by FCX’s subsequent filings with the SEC.

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 costs (credits) 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.”

^{a. Amounts are net of Morenci’s undivided joint venture partners’ interests.}

^{b. Effective December 21, 2018, FCX’s share ownership in PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI) is 48.76 percent. Through 2022, FCX’s economic interest in PT-FI is expected to approximate 81 percent.}

^{c. Consolidated sales volumes exclude purchased copper of 117 million pounds in first-quarter 2019 and 74 million pounds in first-quarter 2018.}

^{a. Amounts represent the approximate average daily throughput processed at PT-FI mill facilities from each producing mine, related stockpiles and development activities that result in metal production.}

^{a.Includes 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.}

^{b. Includes other charges totaling $22 million, which are summarized in the supplemental schedules, “Adjusted Net Income,” on page VI.}

^{c. Consolidated interest costs (before capitalization) totaled $178 million in first-quarter 2019 and $176 million in first-quarter 2018.}

^{d.Includes $24 million of interest received with the refund of PT-FI’s prior years’ tax receivables. Refer to the supplemental schedule, “Adjusted Net Income,” on page VI.}

^{e. For a summary of FCX’s provision for income taxes, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Income Taxes,” on page VI.}

^{f.Primarily reflects adjustments to the estimated 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.}

^{g.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.}

^{a. Includes $4.6 billion associated with the December 2018 PT-FI transaction.}

^{a. Includes restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents of $279 million at March 31, 2019, and $250 million at March 31, 2018.}

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).

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

^{b. Includes charges primarily associated with weather-related issues at El Abra and for non-recurring employee costs at PT-FI.}

^{c.Includes a $20 million gain on sales of oil and gas assets and $13 million for adjustments to the fair value of potential contingent consideration related to the 2016 sale of onshore California oil and gas properties. FCX would receive additional contingent consideration related to this transaction consisting of $50 million per year for 2019 and 2020 if the price of Brent crude oil averages over $70 per barrel in each of these calendar years.}

^{d. Refer to “Income Taxes” below for further discussion of net tax credits.}

INCOME TAXES

Following is a summary of the approximate amounts used in the calculation of FCX’s consolidated income tax provision (in millions, except percentages):

^{a. Represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net losses.}

^{b.In addition to FCX’s North America mining operations, the U.S. jurisdiction reflects corporate-level expenses, which includes interest expense associated with senior notes, general and administrative expenses, and environmental obligations and shutdown costs.}

^{c.Includes a tax credit of $8 million ($6 million net of noncontrolling interest) associated with the reduction in PT-FI’s statutory tax rates in accordance with its special mining license (IUPK).}

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

^{e.FCX’s first-quarter 2019 consolidated effective income tax rate is a function of the combined effective tax rates for the jurisdictions in which FCX operates, excluding the U.S. jurisdiction. Because FCX’s U.S. jurisdiction generated net losses in first-quarter 2019 that will not result in a realized tax benefit, applicable accounting rules require FCX to adjust its estimated annual effective tax rate to exclude the impact of U.S. net losses.}

Assuming achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates and average prices of $3.00 per pound for copper, $1,300 per ounce for gold and $13.00 per pound for molybdenum for the remainder of 2019, FCX estimates its consolidated effective tax rate for the year 2019 would approximate 41 percent (comprised of an estimated effective rate of 41 percent on South America income, 38 percent on Indonesia income and 0 percent for the U.S.). Variations in the relative proportions of jurisdictional income result in fluctuations to FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate. Because of FCX’s U.S. tax position, it does not record a financial statement impact for income or losses generated in the U.S., therefore, the consolidated effective tax rate is generally higher than the international rates at lower copper prices and lower than international rates at higher copper prices.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
Financial Contacts:
Kathleen L. Quirk, 602-366-8016
or
David P. Joint, 504-582-4203
or
Media Contact:
Linda S. Hayes, 602-366-7824

Source: Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Original Article: https://investors.fcx.com/investors/news-releases/news-release-details/2019/Freeport-McMoRan-Reports-First-Quarter-2019-Results/default.aspx