Is Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. a Buy?

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) is the world's largest publicly traded copper producer. Changes in the price of copper therefore have a significant impact on Freeport's earnings and cash flow, which in turn impacts its stock price. For example, the uptick in market conditions over the past year has driven the copper giant's stock up a jaw-dropping 200% from its bottom in early 2016. That said, shares are still down nearly 65% over the past five years due to the company's ill-fated diversification attempt and a weaker copper market overall.

That still-depressed stock price suggests Freeport-McMoRan could have much more upside if copper continues to recover. However, that doesn't necessarily mean investors should rush out and buy Freeport's stock. Here's a closer look at the bull and bear cases for the copper giant.

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Source: Fool.com