The profit was generated by earnings (EBITDA) of US$7.5 billion (up 40%), and EBIT (excluding exceptional items) of US$5.5 billion (up 57.7%).
Stronger commodity prices were the driver behind most of the EBIT gain (responsible for some US$3.14 billion of the result compared to a year ago), though the difference in exchange rates (particularly a weaker US dollar), cost it US$775 million. New operations increased EBIT by around US$55 million, while sold and ceased operations contributed US$75 million.
Higher volumes were achieved with copper, iron ore, aluminium, natural gas, LPG, manganese ore, metallurgical coal and diamonds. On the flipside, lower volumes were recorded in oil and titanium feedstock product.
Energy Coal contributed EBIT of US$234 million, up from US$198 million (up 18.2%). The increase was attributed to improved export prices resulting from strong demand in the Atlantic and Pacific markets and increased sales volumes from Australian and Colombian operations.
Meantime the company spent US$454 million on exploration (up US$85 million), with US$340 million going to petroleum and the balance to hard rock exploration.
BHBB said share buy backs were one capital management initiative being considered.
