BHP (NYSE, ASX, LON: BHP) the world’s biggest miner, released results for the second half of 2019 on Monday, announcing an interim dividend for shareholders of 65 cents per share – its second-highest on record.
Attributable profit was $4.9 billion and underlying
attributable profit was $5.2 billion – up 39% from the prior period.
Profit from operations of $8.3 billion and underlying EBITDA of $12.1 billion at a margin of 56%, with production and unit costs at all its major assets on track to achieve full-year guidance, BHP said in the media release.
Net operating cash flow of $7.4 billion and free cash flow
of $3.7 billion reflects higher iron ore prices and a solid operating
performance, it said.
BHP said social value is an essential precondition to shareholder value – and new agreements for Escondida and Spence to transition towards 100% renewable energy sources will reduce costs and CO2 emissions.