Seeking Alpha Seeking Alpha Portfolio App for iPad  As one of
the world's largest mining companies, Brazil's Vale S.A. (VALE)
stands as a leading producer of iron and nickel ore. In its 70
years of operations, Vale boasts of having produced over 5
billion metric tons of iron ore. The company currently operates
an area covering over 3,900 square kilometers. Despite its
Brazilian origin, the company now maintains mining and refining
operations in more than 30 countries around the world.  Vale now
trades with a market capitalization of $84.15 billion based on
its last price of $16.33 as of September 9, 2013. On its books,
the company carries shareholder equity of $71.7 billion as of
June 2013. The company maintains a low forward price-to-earnings
ratio of 8.08 based on analyst estimates of $2.02 for 2014. The
company also carries a relatively low price-to-book ratio of
1.05 as prospects have dampened in recent years. Among other
commodities, falling iron prices have been largely to blame for
this low valuation.