South32 reported a fall in the majority of the commodities it produced in the September quarter, but it did grow its net cash position by $239m, raising hopes for an increased dividend payment. The diversified mining company — which is listed in Johannesburg, London and Sydney and contains the assets spun out of BHP Billiton — reported a lacklustre set of first-quarter production data. But it noted that higher commodity prices and its cost-cutting efforts had grown its net cash position to $551m by the end of the September quarter. "The combination of a strong balance sheet and operating leverage ensures we are well positioned to deliver superior performance as we optimise our operations, unlock their potential and identify opportunities beyond our current portfolio," said CEO Graham Kerr. Some analysts hoped for an increased dividend payment from the miner, while others suggested it could either make an acquisition or buy back its shares with its spare cash. Yuen Low from Shore Cap...
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