Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What do you think of investing in Anglo American plc? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Anglo American plc, 856.10 pence ($11.31 U.S.), symbol AAL on the London Stock Exchange (Shares outstanding: 1.4 billion; Market cap: 11.7 billion pounds ($15.4 billion U.S.); www.angloamerican.com), is based in the U.K and is one of the world’s largest diversified mining companies. Anglo American announced a radical restructuring plan in December 2015, mostly because of its huge $11.7 billion U.S. debt (now reduced to junk status). Low commodity prices, especially for iron ore, were also a factor. The cost-cutting measures include laying off about 85,000 employees, or almost two-thirds of the company’s workforce. The company said it also plans to reduce the number of mines it operates from 55 to the “low 20s.” It will retain, for the most part, its nickel, coal and iron ore assets. Anglo American shares have moved up lately along with commodity prices, but the company will still struggle to restore profitability. We…