Where Will BHP (NYSE:BHP) Invest its Cash?

Now that the Potash (NYSE:POT) deal is all but over for BHP (NYSE:BHP), rumors continue to circulate as to what would be the best way for the company to invest its cash.

While acquisitions are sure to remain on the table, pressure from shareholders could result in BP using some of the capital, possibly as much as $10 billion to buy back shares in the company.

As high as that is, BHP would still have plenty to make acquisitions with.

With Kloppers wanting a win in the acquisition area, it seems more likely he'll continue to look for deals rather than buy back shares.

If Kloppers and the board do decide to buy back shares, it would mean he would have to start looking for smaller acquisitions than the ones he has pursued unsuccessfully over the last several years, and may actually be good for him and the company.

Either way, now that acquisitions have been failing, shareholders are increasing pressure on the company to repurchase shares. Kloppers may decide to end up doing both.