Why did the BHP share price take a tumble in June?

BHP shares dropped into the red in June. Here's what happened…

| More on:
a sad looking engineer or miner wearing a high visibility jacket and a hard hat stands alone with his head bowed and hand to his forehead as he speaks on a mobile telephone out front of what appears to be an on site work shed.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • BHP's shares tumbled lower during June
  • Broad market volatility and commodity price weakness weighed on its shares
  • One broker appears to see this as a buying opportunity

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price had a tough month in June.

During the period, the mining giant's shares dropped 7.5%.

Though, this is actually better than the ASX 200 index, which tumbled 9% over the same period.

Why did the BHP share price tumble lower in June?

As well as battling broad market weakness, the BHP share price came under pressure from a pullback in the iron ore price.

For example, on Thursday the price of iron ore for September delivery fell a further 2.7% on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange. This put the steel-making ingredient on track to record a quarterly loss of approximately 11%.

In addition, the copper price has come under pressure significant pressure. So much so, the metal tumbled again on Thursday to record its biggest quarterly slump since 2011. This has been driven by concerns that a recession could impact demand.

Finally, the announcement of new coal royalties in Queensland weighed on mining shares during the month.

Is this a buying opportunity?

Analysts at Goldman Sachs appear to see the weakness in the BHP share price as a buying opportunity.

A note from earlier week reveals that its analysts have resumed coverage on the Big Australian with a buy rating and $49.40 price target.

This implies potential upside of 22% for investors over the next 12 months from current levels.

In addition, Goldman Sachs is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of US$3.50 in FY 2022 and then ~US$2.65 in FY 2023. Based on the current BHP share price and current exchange rates, this implies yields of 12.5% and 9.5%, respectively.

All in all, this suggests that there's a total potential return on offer of almost 35% for investors over the next 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Resources Shares

Two miners standing together.
Resources Shares

BHP share price stepping higher as Brazilian court rules on 2015 dam disaster

BHP responded this morning to news reports of the Brazilian court ruling.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Here's a fund manager's bull case for Mineral Resources shares

It’s a rough time for this stock. Let’s dig into whether it’s an opportunity.

Read more »

Australian notes and coins symbolising dividends.
Resources Shares

The BHP dividend doesn't attract me – Here's why

I’m steering clear of BHP as a passive income stock for a few reasons.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Resources Shares

The Mineral Resources share price just slumped another 7%. Here's why

Investors are bidding down Mineral Resources shares on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Female miner smiling in front of mining vehicle.
Resources Shares

Guess which ASX lithium share is racing 8% higher on record production

Investors are sending the ASX lithium share racing higher on Wednesday.

Read more »

a sad looking engineer or miner wearing a high visibility jacket and a hard hat stands alone with his head bowed and hand to his forehead as he speaks on a mobile telephone out front of what appears to be an on site work shed.
Resources Shares

Why is the Fortescue share price tanking 7% this week?

There are several factors weighing on the iron ore giant this week.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Up 7% in a month, are Pilbara Minerals shares in the buy zone?

Lithium continues to be a sore spot for many ASX stocks.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

South32 shares sink amid $33 million copper investment

Copper continues to be in hot demand.

Read more »