BHP have declared a record final dividend of 78 US cents per share, which includes an additional amount of 25 US cents per share (equivalent to US$1.3 billion) above the 50% minimum payout policy. Total ordinary dividends announced of US$1.33 per share or US$6.7 billion, equivalent to a 74% payout ratio.
Other financial highlights include:
Value and returns: Record US$17 billion of total announced returns to shareholders for the year
Onshore US sales process completed, with net proceeds of US$10.4 billion returned to shareholders through a combination of an off-market buy-back (A$27.64 per share) and a special dividend (US$1.02 per share).
Underlying return on capital employed, excluding Onshore US assets, of 18%.
Attributable profit of US$8.3 billion and Underlying attributable profit of US$9.1 billion up 2% from the prior year.
Profit from operations of US$16.1 billion and Underlying EBITDA of US$23.2 billion at a margin of 53% for continuing operations.
Net operating cash flow of US$17.4 billion and free cash flow of US$10.0 billion from continuing operations.
