South32‘s report for the first quarter of the 2016 financial year was released to the market this morning. The production numbers were good, as expected, and management are indicating there is more cost to come out of the business than suggested at the time it was spun out of BHP Billiton. We expect the efficiency gains will go on for many years, following the well worn path of many an unloved business spun out of corporate behemoths.
Still, South32 is a commodities business, not a predictable revenue generating machine like Brambles‘ spinoff Recall. Cost cuts and efficiency gains are going to help, but it is commodity prices that will determine whether this investment is a successful one or not.
On that front, our disclosure of a stake in South32 has surprised many. “I thought you guys were China bears?”
We were. And we are. But as I explain in this video, that is now the consensus view. And it is exactly why South32 is so cheap.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKMYeIZi0g4
We’ve recorded five videos as a follow up to our September quarterly report. In addition to China’s economy and South32, topics include RNY, oil, Betfair and why we have abandoned commentary about short term performance. To watch, simply click on the link below.
Ahhh… the nostalgia of seeing you two in action again.
Feels like 2006 all over again.
Butch and Sundance move over.
Andrew
ps. also enjoyed the discussion.
The videos are great, hope to see more in future 🙂
Really enjoy these interviews. Short and punchy but give me good understanding of Steve Johnson’s thinking. I enjoy his honesty admitting when he has got things wrong and how he is using the experience to benefit the funds, eg mining service companies and investing in South 32.
Rosie