Original article by Amanda Saunders
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 15 : 2-Mar-16

BHP Billiton CEO Andrew Mackenzie recently indicated that abolishing the progressive dividend policy will increase the group’s capacity to pursue mergers and acquisitions. However, Standard & Poor’s analyst May Zhong says that without a rebound in commodity prices BHP will not have much scope for M&A deals. The ratings agency has removed BHP from negative credit watch following the changes to its dividend policy. BHP’s credit rating was downgraded from "A+" to "A" earlier in 2016.

CORPORATES
BHP BILLITON LIMITED – ASX BHP, STANDARD AND POOR’S CORPORATION, SAMARCO MINERACAO SA