Own BHP shares? Here's your Q2 preview

What is the market expecting from the Big Australian? Let's find out.

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

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

sdf

Next week could be a big one for BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

That's because the mining giant is scheduled to release its highly anticipated second quarter update on 21 January.

Ahead of the release of the update, let's see what the market is expecting from the Big Australian.

Q2 preview

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are expecting a bit of a mixed quarter.

For example, copper production (100% basis) is expected to fall 2.5% quarter on quarter to 468kt with a largely steady average realised price of US$4.20 per pound. Whereas the consensus estimate is for flat production of 480kt for the three months.

Iron ore Pilbara shipments (100% basis) are forecast to increase 3.5% quarter on quarter to 74Mt. This is ahead of the consensus estimate for a smaller 2% increase to 72.9Mt.

Goldman believes that these shipments will have averaged a realised iron ore price of US$87 per tonne. This would be up 8.75% on the US$80 per tonne it recorded in the prior quarter.

Finally, met coal production is forecast to come in at 4.4Mt for the quarter. This is in line with the consensus estimate but would be a 2.2% decline on first quarter met coal production.

A average realised met coal price of US$203 per tonne is expected by Goldman, which is down 5.6% from the first quarter.

Finally, at the end of the quarter, Goldman believes that BHP will have a net debt position of US$10.7 billion. This is down from US$12.6 billion a year earlier but ahead of the consensus estimate of US$10.3 billion.

Should you buy BHP shares?

Goldman Sachs is seeing a lot of value on offer in the mining sector following a disappointing 12 months.

As a result, BHP shares are just one of a large number that the broker is recommending as buys right now. It said:

The Australian mining sector enters 2025 trading on ~5.0x NTM EV/EBITDA, ~0.8x NAV and a FCF yield of ~5% (market cap weighted averages), a premium (see Exhibit 1) to the major diversified miners (RIO, BHP & S32). We remain Buy rated on RIO, BHP, S32, CRN, WHC, CIA, DRR, ILU, BSL and Sell rated on FMG & NHC. We prefer companies trading at a discount to NAV and with either strong FCF or high production and earnings growth.

Goldman has a buy rating and $47.50 price target on BHP's shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 19% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, a 4.4% dividend yield is expected. This boosts the total potential return beyond 23%.

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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. 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

A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.
Materials Shares

This ASX mining stock is jumping 11% on big news

This miner is having a good session on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Lion leaping with mouth open, symbolising a rising Liontown share price.
Materials Shares

Why is the Liontown share price leaping 9% on Tuesday?

This ASX lithium share is the fastest mover of the ASX 200 today.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX 300 lithium stock sinking 17% today?

What's going on with this lithium stock today? Let's find out.

Read more »

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Materials Shares

$10k invested in Pilbara Minerals shares 5 years ago is now worth…

Let's see if this lithium miner delivered the goods for investors.

Read more »

Female miner in hard hat and safety vest on laptop with mining drill in background.
Broker Notes

Experts reveal 2 buys and 1 sell in the ASX 200 materials sector

And they're not all mining companies, either.

Read more »

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

Pilbara Minerals shares jumps 10% on big news

This lithium miner is having a day to remember on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Why Bell Potter says this ASX mining stock is a top buy

Let's see which stock the broker is tipping to deliver big returns.

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Materials Shares

Down 39% in a year, why IGO shares still look overpriced

A leading expert doesn’t believe IGO shares are out of the woods just yet.

Read more »