Anglo American Downgraded by Equity Analysts

The headwinds facing the diamond business appear to be stiffer than analysts had previously expected. After growing 3% in 2014, the global diamond wholesale market fell this year

Morningstar Equity Analysts 9 December, 2015 | 2:30PM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

We are cutting our fair value estimate for Anglo American (AAL) to £3.80 from £5 following Anglo American’s Investor Day due to a weaker outlook for the company’s diamond segment. Anglo's high financial leverage, $12 billion of net debt as of June 2015, magnifies the impact of diminished diamond segment profit expectations on our equity fair value estimate.

Persistent commodity price declines have pushed many assets into loss-making territory

The headwinds facing the diamond business appear to be stiffer than we had previously expected. After growing 3% in 2014, the global diamond wholesale market should fall 1% to 2% in 2015 with further weakness into 2016 likely.

Lower polished diamond demand and prices have hurt profitability among De Beers' sight-holder customers, who have accumulated inventories they have difficulty selling. This has pushed down rough diamond prices 15% year to date. In order to keep up pace with the market softness, Anglo expects to cut production by 7% to 26 to 28 million carats in 2016. Most of the cuts will come from higher-cost mines, which should help on the margin front.

Even after the market works through the excess inventories, the magnitude of the market decline suggests that it will be difficult for De Beers to reach the level of profitability that we had previously expected. We've moderated our long-term expectations for the segment's growth and profitability. While we had previously expected the segment to recapture profitability enjoyed in 2014, earnings before tax of $1.8 billion, as the diamond market recovered, we now believe $1.4 billion is a more likely reflection of the segment's mid-cycle earnings power.

Amid persistent commodity price declines that have pushed many assets into loss-making territory, Anglo announced further plans to cut costs and capital expenditures across its portfolio. Anglo also intends to dispose of many of the higher-cost assets in coal, niobium, and phosphates. Anglo has suspended its dividend through 2016. We believe this is the right move, given our forecast for sustained low commodity prices.

Anglo also expects a slower ramp up of Minas-Rio, as it is likely to encounter licensing constraints in Brazil following the Samarco incident. Weak iron ore prices have also led the company to slash growth plans at Sishen in South Africa.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Anglo American PLC2,335.50 GBX-1.23Rating

About Author

Morningstar Equity Analysts  Morningstar stock and fund analysts cover 2,000 mutual funds, 2,100 equities, and 300 exchange-traded funds.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures