Anglo American: A Diversified Commodities Play With Platinum Exposure

By Qineqt:Rio Tinto plc (RIO) is one of the largest mining companies in the world. The company has major interests in copper, iron ore, aluminum, coal, borax, and mineral sands, and lesser exposure to gold and diamond. Iron ore and copper accounted for 46 per cent and 12 per cent of the company's revenues respectively in 2011.

By Global Value Investor:This article introduces two companies in the commodity field that are undervalued based on market metrics. The first company, BP (BP), is a multinational oil and gas firm that has worldwide operations in profitable business segments, such as exploration, production, petrochemicals and distribution.

Mark Cutifani is considered one of the top executives in the mining industry, and Anglo American PLC is getting a big thumbs-up from analysts for hiring him as its next chief executive. Mr. Cutifani worked in Canada for CVRD Inco., and then moved on to AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., where he made key improvements to the company’s operations and corporate structure (click here for 2009 FP interview).

Trefis submits: Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) has been reinforcing its position as the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America. It is also a major supplier of direct-shipping lump and fines iron ore out of Australia. Moreover, in recent years it has forayed into the coal business and is today a significant producer of metallurgical coal.

Michael Johnston submits:First Trust, the ETF issuer best known for its line of quant-based AlphaDEX funds, introduced two new ETFs last week that tap into an increasingly popular investment strategy.

ByItinerant:First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (FQVLF.PK) is an established and growing mining and metals company currently operating four mines and developing projects worldwide. The stated aim is to become a globally diversified mining and metals company. Present market capitalization is $9.42B, last year's revenue was $2.95B and net earnings were $1.77B, resulting in a profit margin of 60%.

By Global Value Investor:The following three companies are operating in the commodities field and are well-positioned in their respective businesses, exhibit attractive margins and are cheaply valued given the increasing uncertainty in the capital markets about global growth prospects.

Trefis submits: Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE:CLF) holds the distinction of being the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America – a position it reinforced with the acquisition of Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines recently.