Rio Tinto Bear Doesn't Expect Infrastructure Asset Sales to Materially Alter Returns

2310 GMT [Dow Jones]--If Rio Tinto can agree sales of stakes in its infrastructure assets on attractive terms, it "could demonstrate execution, improve balance-sheet flexibility and facilitate capital recycling," says Morgan Stanley. "However, value accretion would largely depend on the terms of sale," says MS. The bank views any deals as more of an incremental positive and says it doesn't change its underweight recommendation. "We ... do not see potential asset monetization as transformative to materially alter the outlook for enhanced shareholder returns," MS says. The bank thinks Rio Tinto's valuation is stretched and that it will face headwinds from an increasingly challenged iron-ore market and comparatively limited visible copper growth beyond the Oyu Tolgoi ramp-up. Australian shares in the miner are up 0.5% early in Sydney, at A$166.78.