Original article by Peter Ker
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 13 & 18 : 28-Nov-16

The rally in the price of iron ore and coal during 2016 has boosted the earnings of BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, prompting speculation of capital management initiatives. However, Jason Kururangi of Aberdeen Asset Management argues that BHP should prioritise debt reduction and investment in new projects rather than returns to shareholders. Meanwhile, Jason Beddow of Argo Investments suggests that BHP and Rio should consider increasing returns to shareholders if commodity prices remain at a similar level in 12 months’ time.

CORPORATES
BHP BILLITON LIMITED – ASX BHP, RIO TINTO LIMITED – ASX RIO, ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED, ARGO INVESTMENTS LIMITED – ASX ARG, DEUTSCHE BANK AG, SOCIETE GENERALE AUSTRALIA LIMITED, CREDIT SUISSE (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED, MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE INCORPORATED