Why did BHP report its highest annual dividend in four years, and what was the amount?

BHP reported its highest annual dividend in four years—$1.72 per share—due to a 30% rise in full-year underlying attributable profit to $13.20 billion, driven primarily by record copper prices and copper’s emergence as the company’s top earnings driver ($18.19 billion in operating earnings), surpassing iron ore ($14.53 billion).

What role is copper playing in BHP’s current financial performance and future strategy?

Copper is now BHP’s biggest earnings driver, generating $18.19 billion in operating earnings—more than iron ore’s $14.53 billion—fueled by record prices above $14,000 per metric ton, demand from AI data centers and clean energy transition, and BHP’s pipeline targeting up to 40% higher copper production by 2035; CEO Brandon Craig emphasized copper as foundational to global development and prioritized organic growth over expensive acquisitions, noting copper assets cost roughly five times more to buy than to build.

BHP profit tops estimates as copper powers growth, to pay highest dividend in 4 years

Aug 17, 2026

BHP Group reported better-than-expected earnings driven by record copper prices, declaring its highest annual dividend in four years while planning a 40% copper production increase by 2035.

reuters

2026-08-17

BHP Profit Jumps 30% on Copper Price and Iron Ore Output

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BHP profit tops estimates as copper powers growth, to pay highest dividend in 4 years

BHP profit tops estimates as copper powers growth, to pay highest dividend in 4 years

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