Shares in world number one resources group BHP Billiton and rival Anglo American on Tuesday soared to long-term highs on the back of a strong outlook for commodities, driven mainly by demand from China.
At 10.15am, BHP Billiton on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa (JSE) was quoted at R64,50 up from 129 cents or 2% from Monday’s close of R63,21. In early trade, the stock touched R64,70, the highest level since late April 2002 or in 22 months.
“BHP Billiton and Anglo continue to rise on bullish sentiment. The market is also factoring in growth for commodities and high commodity prices,” a Johannesburg equities trader said.
On Monday, BHP Billiton announced it was going to set up a joint venture with four of China’s key steel mills for the sale of iron ore that is expected to generate $9-billion in revenue for the group over the next 25 years.
In mid-February, BHP Billiton unveiled its strongest interim results since the merger of Australia’s BHP and London-listed Billiton in June 2001, driven by very strong increases in commodity prices, particularly bulk commodities and base metals.
For the half-year to December 2003, BHP Billiton’s attributable profit including exceptional items rose 47% to $1,339-billion, while excluding exceptional items attributable profit increased by 30%.
The outlook for BHP Billiton continues to be strong, driven by demand from China for the group’s products, the recovery in other global markets and an $8-billion project pipeline.
At 10.15am, Anglo on the JSE was quoted at R171,50, up R3,20 or 1,9% from the previous close of R168,30. Earlier, Anglo touched R172 — the highest level since July 2002.
After a flat 2003, Anglo is set for a very strong 2004 financial year driven by strong gains in commodity prices and the possibility of a weaker rand.
Mining analysts are forecasting that Anglo will generate record headline earnings per share for the year to December 2004. The group’s previous record was 125 US cents set in its 2002 financial year.
Investment bank Merrill Lynch is currently forecasting Anglo’s headline earnings per share in 2004 at 194 US cents, up 62% from 120 US cents in 2003. Anglo’s dividend per share is forecast to climb to US 82 cents in 2004, up 62% from 54 cents in 2003, Merrill Lynch said in a recent report. – I-Net Bridge