Fortescue Ltd. engages in the development of iron ore deposits. It operates through the Metals and Energy segments. The Metals segment includes exploration, development, production, processing, sale, and transportation of iron ore, and the exploration for other minerals. The Energy segment is involved in the development of green electricity, green hydrogen, and green ammonia projects. The company was founded by John Andrew Henry Forrest in April 2003 and is headquartered in East Perth, Australia.
(Source: TradingView) One-Year Performance Profile of FMG compared to ASX 200.
Fortescue Limited (ASX: FMG) has recently released its annual financial results for the fiscal year 2024, concluding on 30 June 2024.
The company reported a robust operational performance, highlighted by iron ore shipments totaling 191.6 million tonnes (Mt), which resulted in the third highest earnings in its history.
The underlying EBITDA reached US$10.7 billion, reflecting a seven percent increase compared to FY23, and an underlying EBITDA margin of 59 percent.
The net profit after tax (NPAT) stood at US$5.7 billion, translating to earnings per share of US$1.85 (A$2.82).
Additionally, net cash flow from operating activities was recorded at US$7.9 billion, with free cash flow amounting to US$5.1 billion after capital expenditures of US$2.9 billion.
The company declared a fully franked final dividend of $0.89 per share, bringing the total dividends for FY24 to $1.97 per share, which corresponds to $6.1 billion and represents a 70 percent payout of NPAT.
As of 30 June 2024, Fortescue maintained a strong balance sheet, with cash reserves of US$4.9 billion and net debt of US$0.5 billion.
(Graphic Source: TradingView)
Over the past five years, Fortescue has experienced fluctuating financial performances. Following record-high revenues of $29.8 billion and earnings of $13.8 billion in 2021, the company saw declines, with 2022 revenues dropping to $23.9 billion and earnings to $8.55 billion. This trend continued into 2023, where earnings fell further to $7.13 billion. However, Fortescue rebounded in 2024, with revenues climbing back to $27 billion and earnings slightly improving to $8.67 billion. These shifts underscore the company’s exposure to market cycles and operational adaptability, demonstrating resilience in challenging periods and swift recovery potential.
(Graphic Source: TradingView)
Fortescue has demonstrated a strong commitment to shareholder returns through its dividend policy, showing a steady upward trend despite earnings fluctuations. From a dividend of $1.14 per share in 2019, the payout rose to $1.97 in 2024, peaking impressively at $3.58 in 2021. The company’s dividend yield has remained attractive, now standing at 10.08%, which is expected to hold steady near these levels. Fortescue’s consistent distributions, even during periods of lower earnings, underscore its dedication to delivering value to shareholders and highlight its capability to support robust dividend yields over the long term.
(Graphic Source: Company Reports)
Fortescue presents a compelling investment thesis rooted in its strong capital management, stable margins, and effective hedging strategies, which have shielded it from major market downturns. This disciplined approach enhances the company’s resilience and positions it well for sustainable earnings and dividend growth. As global infrastructure demands and urbanization stand to drive long-term iron price improvements, Fortescue’s prospects remain robust. Additionally, the company’s strategic expansion plans signal a forward-looking growth trajectory, suggesting further value creation for shareholders.
Fortescue’s outlook appears promising, with substantial growth and sustainability initiatives underway. The recent commencement of the Green Metal Project in August 2024 demonstrates significant progress in the company’s expansion efforts, positioning it to meet rising demand for green metals. Additionally, Fortescue’s commitment to renewable energy is evident through its ambitious plan to establish a 1GW solar infrastructure project by the decade’s end. These strategic moves not only enhance Fortescue’s production capacity but also align with global sustainability trends, potentially offering long-term benefits and competitive positioning in an increasingly green-focused market.
Fortescue’s future scalability prospects are highly promising, particularly when combined with its strong resilience in operational efficiency and stable margins. This synergy signals attractive potential for significant earnings breakthroughs in the coming years. The company’s robust distribution rates, coupled with high double-digit yields, underscore its capacity for consistent income generation for investors over the long term. Furthermore, Fortescue’s current valuation is appealing, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 7.07x, representing a considerable discount compared to historical levels. This combination of scalability, income potential, and attractive valuations positions Fortescue as a compelling investment opportunity.
As per Pristine Gaze, you may consider a “Buy” on “Fortescue Limited” at the closing price of “$18.99” (As of 25 October 2024).
*All currency figures are in Australian Dollars unless stated otherwise.
*All data sourced from Company Reports and TradingView.
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