Global resources group BHP Billiton on Wednesday climbed to an all-time high on the JSE Securities Exchange (JSE) of R80 a share on better-than-expected interim results.
At 9.10am, BHP Billiton was quoted at R79,85 rand, up 2,7% or R2,10 from the stock’s previous close of R77,75. The group’s previous all-time high on the JSE was R79,45, achieved on February 2 2005.
Earlier on Wednesday, BHP Billiton reported record interim basic earnings per share, excluding exceptional items, for the half-year to December 2004 of 44,5 United States cents, up 128% from 19,5 US cents for the half-year to December 2003.
An I-Net Bridge survey of six analysts put the market consensus for basic earnings per share at 41,1 US cents, with analysts’ forecasts ranging from 36 US cents to 48 US cents.
The group declared a dividend per share of 13,5 US cents, up 69% from eight US cents in the previous comparative period.
An I-Net Bridge survey of six analysts put the market consensus dividend at 12,15 US cents, with analysts’ forecasts ranging from 10,5 US cents to 13,5 US cents.
During the half-year, BHP Billiton experienced record half-year production volumes for six of its commodities — aluminium, iron ore, natural gas, manganese ore, coking coal and silver. — I-Net Bridge