This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
Rio Tinto (full-year earnings 8 February)
The difficulties of the past few years appear to be behind Rio Tinto at last, with the firm expected to announce the first increase in annual earnings since 2013. Earnings per share are forecast to rise by 7.6% YoY, to £2.16 billion, while revenues are expected to fall 1.8% YoY to £27.5 billion. Iron ore is a vital part of Rio’s business, and the improvement here in both price and demand terms bodes well for Rio Tinto. A 4.3% dividend yield and a compelling forward PE of 11.8 means Rio is not yet overvalued, despite the remarkable rally in its share price.
Rio has seen its share price double in less than a year, but there seems little reason to think it will stop. The recent gap lower only knocks off the gains made since mid-January, and indeed those of a bullish disposition will be hoping for a further drop to make the risk-reward even more compelling. As long as the £30 level holds the uptrend is intact, with the share price having found steady support at the 50-day simple moving average over the past four months.
.jpg)
