ASX 200 reporting season: BHP
BHP Group slashes dividend as Chinese steel demand weakens, while Challenger and Reliance Worldwide report profit growth and increased shareholder returns in their latest half-year result.
AI video summary)
This video was created on 18 February for IG audiences by ausbiz.
Key financial results
BHP's dividend has reached an eight-year low as slowing Chinese steel demand impacted its first-half profits. The company reported a 23% decline in underlying profit to US$5.1 billion, with revenue down 8% to US$25.2 billion. Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of US$0.50 per share, fully franked, down from US$0.72 in the prior period. This dividend is the minimum allowed under BHP's shareholder returns policy. Looking ahead, BHP is navigating uncertainties around tariffs and expects labour market tightness to affect costs for the remainder of FY25.
Challenger will distribute a fully franked interim dividend of 14.5 cents per share, up 12% from the previous corresponding period, following a normalised NPAT of $225 million. UBS anticipates lower cash operating earnings from Challenger's life division, which may lead to consensus downgrades.
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