BHP share price charges 5% higher on 'better than expected result'

BHP has impressed the market with its full year results…

| More on:
A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.

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 are charging higher on Tuesday
  • This follows the release of a better than expected full year result from the mining giant
  • One leading broker was pleased with BHP's performance

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is on the move on Tuesday morning.

At the time of writing, the mining giant's shares are up over 5% to $41.05.

Why is the BHP share price charging higher?

The BHP share price is rising on Tuesday after investors responded positively to the Big Australian's full year results.

For the 12 months ended 30 June, BHP reported a 16% increase in underlying EBITDA from continuing operations to a record US$40,634 million.

A key driver of this was the company's coal operations, which delivered stellar earnings growth thanks to sky high prices of the black gold. This helped offset softer iron ore earnings due to a pullback in prices of the steel making ingredient.

This ultimately allowed the BHP board to declare a fully franked final dividend of US$1.75 per share, which took its full year dividend to US$3.25 per share.

What was the reaction from brokers?

Analysts at Goldman Sachs have been looking over the result and given their verdict. They were pleased with its earnings and dividend, which both came in ahead of their expectations.

The broker commented:

Better than expected result with underlying EBITDA/NPAT of US$40.6bn/US$21.3bn, 2%/5% vs. our US$39.9bn/US$20.3bn estimates (and vs. Visible Alpha consensus of US$40.6bn/US$19.4bn). Headline NPAT of US$30.9bn included a US$1.1bn increase in Samarco liability provision and exceptional gain of US$7.1bn on the petroleum demerger. BHP reported an EBITDA margin of 65% and record ROCE of 48.7% for the year.

Capital management: final dividend of US175cps (74% payout on continuing operations, above minimum 50% target), above our US140cps forecast (65% payout ex Petroleum) and VA consensus of US170cps.

Where next for BHP's shares?

Goldman Sachs currently has a buy rating and $39.70 price target on its shares. This means the BHP share price is now trading ahead of this target following today's gain.

Though, it is worth remembering that this rating and price target could change once its analysts have updated their financial model. Stay tuned for that later this week.

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 Materials Shares

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

How much could $5,000 invested in BHP shares be worth in a year?

Here's what one leading broker believes could happen with this miner's shares next year.

Read more »

A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.
Materials Shares

Bell Potter says this ASX lithium stock could rocket 90%+ in 2025

Let's see why the broker is bullish on this lithium developer.

Read more »

A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.
Materials Shares

Forget Fortescue shares and buy this ASX iron ore stock

Bell Potter thinks this iron ore miner could deliver big returns over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Are ASX lithium shares prime real estate for value hunters?

Can these stocks recharge returns for investors?

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Are Rio Tinto shares a buy for its lithium plans?

Let's see what one leading broker is saying about the mining giant.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX 300 lithium stock is rocketing 20% on huge Volkswagen news

Not all shares are being dragged lower by the market today.

Read more »

Dollar sign in yellow with a red falling arrow in front of a graph, symbolising a falling share price.
Materials Shares

Ouch: The Pilbara Minerals share price just hit a multi-year low

It's been a tough day for lithium investors.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Materials Shares

Big ASX news: CEO buys 2.5 million Sayona Mining shares

This CEO has finally made a big share purchase.

Read more »