Original article by Peter Ker
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 17 & 20 : 18-Aug-16

BHP Billiton’s net debt topped $US26.1bn ($A34bn) in 2015-16, which is its highest level in three decades. However, CEO Andrew Mackenzie believes that the resources group’s debt is unlikely to rise any further in the near-term, and he has identified reducing debt as one of its priorities. Meanwhile, Matthew Moore of Moody’s says the ratings agency has retained BHP’s negative outlook, and he has warned that the group’s "A3" credit rating could be downgraded if it does not make progress in improving its credit metrics.

CORPORATES
BHP BILLITON LIMITED – ASX BHP, MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE INCORPORATED, RIO TINTO LIMITED – ASX RIO, STANDARD AND POOR’S CORPORATION, DEUTSCHE BANK AG, SAMARCO MINERACAO SA, ANGLO AMERICAN PLC