Morgan Stanley Maintains Overweight on Freeport-McMoRan

Morgan Stanley has published a research report on Freeport-McMoRan

after shares have lagged recently due to concerns about divestment requirements. In the report, Morgan Stanley writes, "We think a possible scenario could be for FCX to divest the 9.36% stake in PT Freeport Indonesia held through its wholly owned subsidiary PT Indocopper Investama. In May 2008, FCX signed a memorandum of understanding with the Papua provincial government to determine the feasibility of the province acquiring the 9.36% stake. We would expect such a transaction, if it happens, to be close to fair market value, minimizing the impact on valuation." Morgan Stanley maintains its Overweight rating and $55 price target on Freeport-McMoRan, which is currently trading down $0.43 from Friday's $38.78 closing price.