
Comparing Copper Miners’ 4Q17 Performance
By Mohit Oberoi, CFAFeb. 20 2018, Published 4:58 p.m. ET
Copper miners’ 4Q17 performance
We’re now approaching the end of 4Q17 earnings season. Most leading copper miners have released their quarterly operational and financial data. Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) reported its 4Q17 earnings on January 25 and reported adjusted EPS (earnings per share) of $0.51. The company posted adjusted EPS of $0.34 in 3Q17 and $0.25 in 4Q16. See Freeport-McMoRan’s 4Q17 Earnings: What You Need to Know for a broad overview of Freeport’s 4Q17 earnings.
4Q17 earnings season
Among other miners, Glencore (GLEN-L) released its 4Q17 operational data, and the company’s 2017 financials are expected on February 21. Rio Tinto (RIO) has released its 2017 operating and financial performance. First Quantum (FM) released its 4Q17 earnings on February 12. Southern Copper (SCCO) released its 4Q17 earnings on February 2 and posted a loss in the quarter resulting from the new US income tax regulation. Several analysts changed their ratings on copper miners after their 4Q17 earnings. See How Analysts View Copper Miners amid the Market Carnage to look at leading copper miners’ ratings and target prices.
Series overview
In this series, we’ll explore some of the key highlights of copper miners’ 4Q17 earnings and production profiles. We’ll also look at the production guidance provided by different copper miners.
Let’s begin by looking at copper miners’ 4Q17 production profile in the next part of this series.