The big D-debate!

--:--
In the gold mining industry that I grew up in, two unquestionable truths predominated. On the one hand you had the mining company executives’ mantra of “anyone who pays dividends doesn’t understand (gold) mining”, and on the other was the mining investors’ response to dividends:
“Why are you returning capital, are you ex-growth?” The good old days are no more!
Rothschild & Co Snr Advisor Mining, Fiona Perrot-Humphrey, asks Douglas Upton (Investment Analyst & Partner, Capital Global London) and George Cheveley (Portfolio Manager, Ninety One) whether they think mining companies have successfully reinvented themselves as annuity income investments. Not quite yet!
5 Nov 2020 English South Africa Business

Other recent episodes

Jim Rutherford: Did the poacher turn gamekeeper?

During his 15 years as a sell-side analyst, Jim Rutherford emerged as a significant force in the world of mining, including in South Africa, as part of the US-based investment firm Capital Group. Rutherford was largely responsible for the company’s global investments in the metals and mining industry. Then, seven…
11 Nov 2020 14 min

Reflections on the SA Mining Industry and the Government’s impact

On the same day that Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe lashed out at Neal Froneman of Sibanye-Stillwater for his criticism of the government, Rutherford shared some of his reflections about the SA mining industry and the government’s impact. When a critic with no other agenda calls it as he…
11 Nov 2020 1 min

Capital allocation: a lone, early voice from London

Way before capital allocation was even a thing, a visit to Rutherford’s offices in London would not be complete without a deep and often fractious debate about value creation, sustainability and of course, capital allocation. It’s no surprise that we revisit this topic in this short clip where I ask…
11 Nov 2020 2 min

Dealing with mining’s men

So much of a leader’s role is to engage with her people. Mining makes this even more challenging due to the tough conditions, skeptical audiences and language barriers. Listen to Naidoo’s response to my question about engaging the “manne” at the coal face.
11 Nov 2020 2 min

Role of mentors

Listen to Naidoo’s insights about what she has learned about leadership from mentors like Cynthia Carroll and Tom Albanese, among others.
11 Nov 2020 2 min