Anglo American PLC (LSE:AAL)'s radical overhaul plan has been seen as largely positive, though it is fraught with 'execution risk', according to City analysts.
Reacting to two bid approaches from rival BHP Ltd worth an estimated £34 billion, Anglo's strategy focuses on three core divisions: copper, iron ore, and fertiliser.
This restructuring will result in divesting its interests in platinum metals, metallurgical coal, nickel, and its diamond unit, De Beers, through sales and spin-offs.
The company also plans to significantly reduce its investment in the Woodsmith project, a $9 billion initiative in Yorkshire aimed at producing a new type of fertiliser called polyhalite. This move is designed to conserve cash and allow time to develop a market for this product.
Deutsche Bank said the plan offered a 'credible rerating pathway' as it reiterated its 'buy' advice and £31 a share price target.
Stock pickers at US outfit Jefferies said the new blueprint could lead to "significant share price upside". By that they mean the simpler, cleaner more focused strategy allied to the disposals and demergers will add value to the business.
Jefferies' sum-of-the-parts valuation of Anglo's equity is £32.12 compared with the current price of £26.26.
"This assumes Anglo can execute on this strategy without substantial value leakage, which is questionable," the American bank said in a note published Wednesday.
"It is also possible that BHP comes back with a revised offer in the neighbourhood of £30 per share which we view as close to full value. Either way, we expect the Anglo share price to go higher and therefore reiterate our buy rating at the current price. "