
TSE:CS
This summary was created by AI, based on 8 opinions in the last 12 months.
Capstone Copper Corp (CS-T) is receiving mixed reviews from experts in the copper market. While some view it as a well-managed company with solid domestic operations, others express concerns about its alignment with absolute Tier 1 deposits and cost efficiency. Production guidance has disappointed some analysts, prompting a shift toward a HOLD rating, though there's optimism regarding upcoming financials. The ongoing strike may pose challenges, yet many believe this could present a buying opportunity. Furthermore, the demand for copper, especially linked to EVs and green technology, is predicted to surge in the coming years, enhancing Capstone's long-term outlook despite potential short-term fluctuations.
We can't do much about the cyclicality of the metals sector. It will always be cyclical, and nothing should be considered a 'buy and forget' stock. Much will depend on economic growth, particularly in China. It is interesting right now in that China is weak but copper is strong. It is possible investors are seeing China as 'bottoming' and there are also supply concerns (i.e. the recent closure of a large mine in Panama). The sector is cyclical, and thus valuations are usually low. CS is more expensive at 16X earnings, because it is growing fast. From a loss last year it is expected to earn 28c a share this year and then a near-double to 54c next year. Debt is fairly high but cash flow is also growing nicely. We would be comfortable owning it in a size reflective of its risk. We might not add to a current position as the price rise naturally brings position size up.
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The price of CS is largely dependent on the underlying price of copper, and copper is a factor of both supply and demand. We believe that the long-term demand for copper is strong, and thus we like the long-term prospects of copper. CS is expecting good sales and earnings growth over the next couple of years, and its recent growth has been strong. Its valuation is decent and debt levels are OK. It has been growing its balance sheet and expanding its operations. As a growth play on copper, we like CS and it is set to report earnings next Friday November 3. We feel that in a better market, the materials sector will perform well and CS can benefit from this performance. We would prefer to wait until earnings to add to the name, but for a growth play on copper, we like CS.
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Revenue was $362M, ahead of estimates ($351M); EPS was 6c, vs 3.9c expected.
EBITDA of $80.5M missed estimates of $98.6M.
Copper output rose to 45,500 tonnes, with new production from Chile boosting numbers.
Costs were $2.50/lb. 2023 guidance is for 170,000 to 190,000 tonnes at costs of $2.50 to $2.70.
Results look good but not overly noteworthy one way or the other.
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Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. The company is cheap, trading at 8x forward earnings. Growth rate is expected to be rapid in the next two years. Very little debt and has positive cash flows. Insider ownership is high. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
He doesn’t follow this stock actively. It’s involved in copper, ranks around 550 in his 700-stock database. PE reasonable. Earnings are expected to rocket from 2 cents to 19 cents this year and then drop back in 2019. Free cash flow is positive, but there have been downward estimate revisions. The estimate of lower earnings in 2019 is the primary investor concern for this stock. (Analysts’ price target is 2.10$)
The company is not too big, not too small, in a sweet spot. The copper price has pulled back a little, but has seen a great run-up. Supply has declined while demand is rising from places like EVs. The copper fundamentals look great.