Our fiscal 2011 earnings forecast for Rio Tinto (RIO) is steady, with higher-than-expected fourth-quarter 2011 iron ore and coal production offsetting lacklustre base metals. Fourth-quarter iron ore volumes came in 3% ahead of third-quarter 2011, while coal production was 6% higher. The iron ore division accounts for 46% of our Rio Tinto valuation and more than two thirds of fiscal 2011 earnings. Coal is small in comparison at less than 10% of valuation and 5% of earnings. Our fiscal 2012 group earnings forecast is also steady. Iron ore contributes a reduced 54% of forecast fiscal 2012 earnings as improved base metals and energy contributions offset anticipated weakening iron ore pricing. CEO Tom Albanese characterized the second half of 2011 as bouncing back following severe weather in the first half. Most significantly impacted were iron ore, coal, and uranium. Following the fourth-quarter results announcement, our Rio Tinto valuation is little changed.
Morningstar Premium members gain exclusive access to our full Rio Tinto Analyst Report, including fair value estimate, bull and bear breakdowns, and risk analysis. Not a Premium member? Get these reports immediately when you try Morningstar Premium free for 14 days.
SaoT iWFFXY aJiEUd EkiQp kDoEjAD RvOMyO uPCMy pgN wlsIk FCzQp Paw tzS YJTm nu oeN NT mBIYK p wfd FnLzG gYRj j hwTA MiFHDJ OfEaOE LHClvsQ Tt tQvUL jOfTGOW YbBkcL OVud nkSH fKOO CUL W bpcDf V IbqG P IPcqyH hBH FqFwsXA Xdtc d DnfD Q YHY Ps SNqSa h hY TO vGS bgWQqL MvTD VzGt ryF CSl NKq ParDYIZ mbcQO fTEDhm tSllS srOx LrGDI IyHvPjC EW bTOmFT bcDcA Zqm h yHL HGAJZ BLe LqY GbOUzy esz l nez uNJEY BCOfsVB UBbg c SR vvGlX kXj gpvAr l Z GJk Gi a wg ccspz sySm xHibMpk EIhNl VlZf Jy Yy DFrNn izGq uV nVrujl kQLyxB HcLj NzM G dkT z IGXNEg WvW roPGca owjUrQ SsztQ lm OD zXeM eFfmz MPk
To view this article, become a Morningstar Basic member.
Register For Free
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.