Stock price when the opinion was issued
The question also asked about his opinion in general on copper. He likes copper which is the most important of the metals and is therefore in great demand. The price of copper has been hit by tariffs. It is hard to predict the price by random events and the Trump effect. Freeport McMoran is in the U.S. so it has that plus.
China is the biggest buyer of copper in the world, over 50% worldwide. Long-term, copper is a winner, used widely (power generation, EVs, and elsewhere). FCX is one of the largest copper companies, the biggest in the U.S. FCX has bounced around because of Trump's tariffs. He will sit tight, but expected copper demand to double in coming years.
Very significant drop in copper price recently, due to US tariffs being clarified. Yet copper stocks were remarkably resilient.
This name has wonderful long-life assets. Trading above 50-, 150-, and 200-day MAs. Not strongest copper stock technically, but technicals are fine. Great company with history of raising dividend over time. If inflation rises tomorrow, they can put prices up. See his Top Picks.
Tariff policy is uncertain, as we could have an announcement today that gets changed next week. 200-day MA is falling, but at least the price is above that. Likes the space. Would be great if China picked up, as that would really propel the stock.
Sees signs that we could see a pickup down the road, but he's neutral for now.
China's comeback didn't happen in the past year while EV adoption has slowed, but will still happen. The copper spot price is up 25% this quarter. So, FCX will have a great quarter, given their link to that price, but the market won't anticipate that due to fear of tariffs and the impact on copper prices. Will copper be a protected mineral? Tariffs on foreign/Chinese copper? Don't know yet, but long term the secular tailwinds are intact. Copper usage will double over 7 years.