Google search of 2.4 ticking shows every answer - from normal valve actuation for them, to having to replace lifters or actuator assy on the older 2.4s.
My old Breeze's 2.0L had a somewhat lighter ticking, went 320,000 miles before I sold it - maybe not directly comparable with its cast valve cover, which dampens noise vs what appears to be tin on the 2.4 MA.