Did you catch what happened with ASX 200 mining stocks in February?

BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue all released earnings results in February. How did they do?

| More on:
Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dropped 4.2% in February, with two of the big three ASX 200 mining stocks underperforming that result.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares suffered the biggest setback. The Fortescue share price closed out January at $19.13 and ended February at $16.51, down 13.7%.

Early in the third trading day of March, the new month has yet to offer shareholders any reprieve. Fortescue shares are down 2.4% so far this month to $16.04. That sees the ASX 200 mining stock down 38% in a year, not including Fortescue's dividend payouts.

Falling from $117.40 a share on 31 January to $113.37 a share on 28 February, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) stock slid 4.4% over the month, just trailing the benchmark returns.

With shares up 3.8% so far in March to $118.13, the Rio Tinto share price is down 5% over 12 months, excluding dividend payouts.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price was the best performer of the group and the only one to beat the losses posted by the ASX 200.

BHP stock closed out January trading for $39.95 a share and ended February at $39.04 a share, down 2.3%.

Up 1.3% so far in March at $39.54, BHP shares are down 11% over 12 months, not including dividends.

What moved the ASX 200 mining stocks in February?

Iron ore is the number one revenue earner for BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue. Copper comes in at number two for the ASX 200 mining stocks.

Although iron ore gained around 5% in February to close the month at US$106 per tonne, investors likely have one eye on the forecast supply boom ahead for the steel-making metal, which could sharply depress prices.

Copper also had a strong performance over the month, rising 3.5% in February to US$9,358 per tonne.

All three of the big Aussie miners also reported earnings results in February.

Here's a snapshot.

What results did BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue report?

BHP released its half-year results on 18 February.

The ASX 200 mining stock reported an 8% year on year decline in revenue to US$25.2 billion. With underlying attributable profit down 23% to US$5.1 billion, BHP cut its fully franked interim dividend by 28.4% to 78.5 Aussie cents per share.

Rio Tinto released its full-year results on 20 February.

While revenue was down 1% year on year to US$53.7 billion, Rio Tinto's profit after tax increased by 15% to US$11.55 billion. Management declared a fully franked final dividend of AU$3.536 a share, down 10% from last year's final dividend.

Fortescue also reported its half-year results on February 20.

Going a long way to explaining the poor performance of the Fortescue share price in February, the ASX 200 mining stock suffered a 20% year on year fall in revenue to US$7.6 billion.

With net profit after tax (NPAT) of US$1.6 billion, down 53% year on year, management cut the fully franked interim dividend by 53.7% to 50 Aussie cents per share.

Should you invest $1,000 in Wa1 Resources right now?

Before you buy Wa1 Resources shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Wa1 Resources wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 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 Resources Shares

Female miner smiling in front of a mining vehicle.
Resources Shares

Is the BHP share price a buy? Here's UBS' view

Let’s dig into what an expert thinks of this mining giant.

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Resources Shares

3 reasons to buy BHP shares right now

Let's see why the Big Australian could be destined to deliver big returns for investors.

Read more »

One girl leapfrogs over her friend's back.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just doubled investors' money in a month

Investors have sent the ASX All Ords stock up 100% in just one month. But why?

Read more »

Woman relaxing on her phone on her couch, symbolising passive income.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto shares higher amid reward for investors today

Following its 1Q FY25 production report yesterday, the mining giant is rewarding investors today.

Read more »

Two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto share price slides amid $150 million cyclone hit

ASX investors will be running a fine tooth comb over Rio Tinto’s quarterly production results today.

Read more »

Female miner in hard hat and safety vest on laptop with mining drill in background.
Resources Shares

What China's rare earths ban means for these ASX shares

Some ASX rare earths shareholders have seen rapid gains lately. Will it last?

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Why is this ASX All Ords mining share soaring 33% on Tuesday?

Investors are sending the ASX All Ords mining share flying higher. But why?

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
Resources Shares

ASX lithium shares: How EVs in China are reshaping lithium demand

In 2024, more than 90% of Australia’s lithium exports were shipped to China, and the Middle Kingdom’s appetite for lithium…

Read more »