A week is a long time in politics, a quote attributed to British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. In South Africa, the winds of political change have gusted in, promising a hopeful future. The financial markets have been euphoric, perhaps rather too much. But mining could be a key beneficiary in time and Anglo American, with a large proportion of profits generated in South Africa, would be one of those. The Group remains underrated relative to peers. Given the political developments I’ve taken a more upbeat view on the stock and have raised the valuation due to the risk discount easing. Anglo American is valued on a DCF basis at R270 and the target price is R360.   

“South African Political Tailwind”

Anglo American [JSE:AGL]

Share price:  £17,26 LSE, R282,87 JSE

Net shares in issue: 1,29 billion

Market cap: £22,3 billion LSE, R364,3 billion JSE

Fair value: £16,50 LSE, R270 JSE based on DCF

Target price: £22,00 LSE, R360 JSE

Forward PE ratio: 6,6x

Forward yield: 6,1%

Trading Buy and Portfolio Buy 

What you need to know:   

Anglo American is more susceptible to political risk factors than other diversified miners such as Glencore or BHP Billiton. This is because it is still very exposed to South Africa. Paradoxically, what was a millstone could switch to a point in favour if the new political dispensation unfolding has positive implications for mining industry stability and policy certainty.

On my latest 2018 estimates, approximately $4 billion of the $10 billion in EBITDA will be generated in South Africa. Whilst the South Africa contribution has fallen from 50% a few years ago the share remains considerable and is still likely to be above 30% in a few years’ time.

To give investors a sense of the breakdown, the biggest contribution to profits in F2018 will come from coal at 34%, followed by copper at 19%, iron ore (i.e. largely Kumba) at 17%, diamonds at 18%, platinum 11%, and nickel 2%.

This means that coal will contribute $3,5 billion, copper $2,0 billion, iron ore $1,8 billion, diamonds $1,7 billion, platinum $1,1 billion and nickel $0,2 billion. 

In F2018, I estimate revenue of $27,1 billion, an operating profit after associates of $7,5 billion, and earnings of $4,7 billion which equates to $3,60 per share. A dividend of $1,44 is estimated.

Cash flows from operations are estimated at $8 billion with capital expenditure $2,5 billion. The Group is estimated to be in a net cash position of $2,5 billion. Assuming shareholder equity of $31 billion net asset value per share will be $24 or approximately R280, which is where the share price is currently.  

Foreign fund managers have been lukewarm to Anglo for years due to the large South African footprint and so the risk discount to Australian majors was higher. The unlisted assets were at a 30% discount to peers. Some strategic and expensive missteps, such as Minas Rio in Brazil, have not helped. 

However, there has been rationalisation of the portfolio with $4,5 billion worth of divestments in the past few years.

A retreat from South African was previously seen as the way to unlock value but this is not necessarily the case now. A catch up to international peers is feasible.