LOGIN
FREE REPORT
search
times
New call-to-action

Tags

See all

Articles

FMG

FMG Metals Ltd FY20 Result – Profit Up 49% Due To Strong Iron Ore Prices

Timothy Anderson

Timothy Anderson is a contributor with the Australian Stock Report and is currently in his final year of studying a Bachelor of Applied Economics and a Bachelor of International Relations and Politics at the University of Canberra. Tim has a genuine passion for economics, specifically in macroeconomic analysis including how certain macroeconomic policies and indicators affect financial markets and the economy, as well as how these factors affect personal investment strategies. Tim currently holds RG146 Tier 1 Generic Knowledge qualifications.

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) is an iron ore miner. Fortescue Metals produces 170 million tonnes of iron ore per annum, making it one of the largest global iron ore producers. Fortescue Metals has a market capitalisation of A$55 billion.

 

FMG14

 

What are the key features of Fortescue Metal’s FY20 result?

Fortescue Metal’s FY20 underlying net profit after tax is US$4.746 million, up 49% from FY19. Revenue for FY20 is US$12,820 million, up 29% from FY19. Basic earnings per share for FY20 is US154 cents. Ore shipped for FY20 is 178.2 m wmt, up 6% from FY19. Fortescue Metal’s will pay a final dividend of A$1.00 per share (fully franked).

The main driver of Fortescue Metal’s strong profit result is due to the strong iron ore price over the year. The average iron ore price for FY20 is US$79/dmt, up 21%. The iron ore price was able to maintain its high levels due to supply issues from Brazil. This originally began due to the tailing dam collapse in 2019. Supply issues continue to occur in the second half of this year due to COVID-19 issues at Vale’s operational sites. In addition to higher prices, Fortescue Metal’s iron ore shipments increased by 6% on the year, which capitalised on the strong iron ore price.

Fortescue Metal’s has a strong balance sheet with cash on hand of US$4.9 billion at 30 June 2020. Gross debt is US$5.1 billion following the drawdown of the US$1.0 billion Revolving Credit Facility in April 2020. Total capital expenditure in FY20 is US$2.0 billion comprising US$690 million in sustaining capital, US$389 million in development capital, US$116 million in exploration and studies and US$771 million in major projects (Eliwana, Iron Bridge and Energy).

What is the outlook for Fortescue Metal’s?

The outlook for Fortescue Metal’s is positive. This is based on the continued strong performance of the iron ore price.

Fortescue Metal’s did provide guidance for FY21. Iron ore shipments for FY21 are expected to be in the range of 175 – 180mt and C1 costs are expected to be in the range of US$13.00 – US$13.50/wmt. These parameters for FY21 are around the same levels as in FY20. Capital expenditure of US$3.0 - US$3.4 billion, which is comprised of US$1.0 billion of sustaining, operational and hub development capital, US$140 million of exploration expenditure and studies and US$1.9 - US$2.3 billion for major projects (Eliwana, Iron Bridge and Energy).

The main factor that is going to determine Fortescue Metal’s success is the iron ore price. If the iron ore price continues to remain strong due to strong demand and weakening supply, Fortescue Metal’s should continue to perform well. At some point, the iron ore price should weaken towards the long-term trend (perhaps around US$50 per tonne).

What is the market’s reaction?

The market reaction to Fortescue Metal’s FY20 is positive. Fortescue Metal’s share price is up 2.3% and is currently trading at A$18.40. Fortescue Metal’s is trading at a forward P/E ratio of around 8x and has an annual dividend yield of around 6.3%.

 


Disclaimer:

This article has been prepared by the Australian Stock Report Pty Ltd (AFSL: 301 682. ABN: 94 106 863 978)
(“ASR”). ASR is part of Amalgamated Australian Investment Group Limited (AAIG) (ABN: 81 140 208 288 Level 13, 130 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000).
This article is provided for informational purpose only and does not purport to contain all matters relevant to any particular investment or financial instrument. Any market commentary in this communication is not intended to constitute “research” as defined by applicable regulations. Whilst information published on or accessed via this website is believed to be reliable, as far as permitted by law, we make no representations as to its ongoing availability, accuracy or completeness. Any quotes or prices used herein are current at the time of preparation. This document and its contents are proprietary information and products of our firm and may not be reproduced or otherwise disseminated in whole or in part without our written consent unless required to by judicial or administrative proceeding. The ultimate decision to proceed with any transaction rests solely with you. We are not acting as your advisor in relation to any information contained herein. Any projections are estimates only and may not be realised in the future.
ASR has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

New call-to-action