Thomson Reuters






Jan 28 (Reuters) - New York-based hedge fund Casablanca
Capital LP picked up a 5.2 percent stake in Cliffs Natural
Resources Inc and urged the iron ore producer to spin
off of international assets and double its annual dividend.


Cliffs slashed its 2013 dividend to 60 cents per share in
2013 from over $2 in 2012, according to Thomson Reuters data.


Casablanca also said Cliffs should convert its U.S. assets
to a master limited partnership (MLP) and "significantly" cut
costs.


An MLP derives most of its cash flows from real estate,
natural resources and commodities.


Cliffs shares have nearly halved in value in the past year,
compared with a 19 percent rise in the S&P 500 index.