BHP Billiton Limited

China’s iron ore imports recovered from a six-month low in April by importing 91.5 million tons in May 2017.

The estimated investment needed for Cliffs Natural Resources’ (CLF) HBI (hot briquetted iron) plant is ~$700 million.

In 1Q17, Vale’s (VALE) ferrous division accounted for ~89.0% of its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization).

In 1Q17, Vale (VALE) significantly outperformed its major peers with a rise of ~25%.

Strong Chinese iron ore imports China imported 95.6 million tons of iron ore in March, compared with 83.5 million tons in February 2017. This figure implies a strong growth of 11% year-over-year (or YoY). This number is also the second-highest monthly amount on record. China imported 96.3 million tons of iron ore in December 2015. […]

The third element of Elliott Funds’ “value unlock” plan for BHP Billiton (BHP) (BBL) is the adoption of a policy of consistent and optimized capital returns to shareholders.

Elliott Funds has proposed unifying BHP Billiton’s (BHP) (BBL) dual-listing structure into a single Australian-headquartered and Australian tax resident–listed company.

Among the most dominant factors driving the recent iron ore price rally are higher steel production and the rise of steel prices in China (FXI).

Among the iron ore miners (PICK), analysts are most bullish on Rio Tinto (RIO), with 63% “buy” and 19% “hold” ratings.

China imported a total of 83.5 million tons of iron ore in February 2017, which represents a growth of 13% YoY (year-over-year) and -9.2% month-over-month.

China’s iron ore imports were robust in 2016. While the country’s imports fell 7.6% year-over-year (or YoY) in December 2016, they hit a yearly record in 2016.

Since China is the world’s largest steel producer and exporter, it’s important for investors to keep track of Chinese steel prices.

Chinese demand is the key driver of iron ore prices, as the country accounts for more than two-thirds of seaborne demand (CLF) (BHP).

Contrary to what’s been suggested by many market participants, China’s iron ore imports have been robust in 2016. In November, imports were 92.0 million tons.

Chesapeake Energy (CHK) announced on December 5 that it had agreed to sell 78,000 net acres in Louisiana’s Haynesville Shale for $450 million. The buyer is an undisclosed private player.

While trading activities account for more than 70% of Glencore’s consolidated revenues, most of its earnings come from the industrial business.

Wall Street analysts covering Vale are projecting sales of $27.0 billion for 2016. That implies a revenue change of 4.4% year-over-year.

China’s weaker iron ore imports Contrary to what’s been suggested by many market participants, China’s iron ore imports have been robust in 2016. In October, however, the imports were at their lowest since February, at 80.8 million tons, down 13% month-over-month. On a year-over-year basis, the imports rose 7%. In the first ten months of […]

China’s passenger car sales rose 26% year-over-year in August. This is the fourth consecutive month that car sales have risen in the double digits.

In August 2016, China’s iron ore imports came in at 87.7 million tons, a rise of 18.3% compared to 74.1 million tons in August 2015 but a slight fall of 0.8% compared to July 2016.

It’s important for investors in companies such as Freeport-McMoRan, BHP Billiton, and Rio Tinto to track Chinese copper demand indicators.

Morgan Stanley is bearish on the future prospects of iron ore prices. The broker estimates that the iron ore prices will fall to $40 per ton in 2H16 and $35 per ton in 4Q16.

In July 2016, China’s iron ore imports came in at 88.4 million tons. This was a rise of 2.7% compared to 86.1 million tons in July 2015 and 81.6 million tons in June 2016.

BHP Billiton’s (BHP) (BBL) unit costs declined by 16% in fiscal 2016, supported by increased capital efficiency. This helped BHP generate strong free cash flow.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) has been trading largely sideways around the $12 price level for almost a month. August has been a dull month for most companies in the metals and mining space.

BHP has a strong balance sheet in this depressed commodity environment. Standard & Poor’s cut its rating by one notch from A+ to A in February 2016.

BHP’s total iron ore production increased by 2% in fiscal 2016 to a record 227 million tons.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics published the employment report for July on August 18, 2016. The unemployment rate fell by 0.1% to 5.7%.

Rio Tinto reported its 1H16 results on August 3, 2016. Its underlying earnings came in at $1.6 billion, 7% ahead of consensus expectations of $1.5 billion.

Analysts have increased their short-term iron ore price forecasts due to stronger-than-expected temporary factors.

Analysts expect Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) to post revenues of ~$3.7 billion in 2Q16 and $4.4 billion in 3Q16.

Zinc has gained more than 15% in 2016 so far, outperforming other base metals in the same category.

In this series, we’ll analyze the demand-supply fundamentals for iron ore and see whether the recent surge was a one-off phenomenon or the start of a more sustained uptick in prices.

BHP Billiton (BHP) (BBL) has reframed its capital allocation priorities, including sustaining capex, maintaining balance sheet strength, and cutting dividends.

Just a few weeks old, 2016 started where 2015 left off for the iron ore industry. The benchmark seaborne iron ore prices were trading at $40 levels as of January 14, 2016, down 9% for the year.

The Vanguard European Stock Index Fund was the worst performer for 2015 among the ten funds in this review.

Rio Tinto’s copper production was a slight miss, falling short ~1% of the fiscal 2015 guidance. This was mainly due to weaker throughput at Escondida.

In 2015, Fortescue Metals Group (FSUGY) and Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) fell 35% and 78%, respectively.

The Nullagine joint venture, where BC Iron owns 75% and Fortescue Metals (FSUGY) owns 25%, will cease production in 2016 due to weak iron ore prices.

Iron ore forms the biggest chunk of BHP Billiton’s revenues and earnings. For its latest quarter, the company delivered 7% year-over-year growth.

Brazil’s government has announced that it intends to start legal proceedings against Samarco, Vale, and BHP Billiton for Samarco’s tailings dam failure.

The Bank of England or BoE is targeting an inflation rate at 2.0% in order to attain economic growth in the United Kingdom.

Analysis of base metal inventories helps us understand the price and usage trends of the respective base metal, as well the price trends of base metal mining companies.

While major mining companies like Freeport-McMoRan and Glencore are declaring copper production cuts, BHP Billiton says it is reluctant to decrease its copper production.

In this part of ours series, we’ll explore the trend in Freeport-McMoRan’s unit production costs.

In this part of the series, we’ll explore the trend in Freeport-McMoRan’s (FCX) revenues.

Glencore (GLNCY) is a relatively new entrant in the metals and mining industry. The company was founded in 1974.

Market expectations for Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) are varied. Of the analysts covering Cliffs, one has a “buy” recommendation, eight have a “hold,” and seven have a “sell.”

The third quarter of 2015 hasn’t been good for iron ore equities. Most of them lost significant value during the quarter.

The Haynesville Shale’s natural gas production in September was 0.1% lower than August. On a YoY basis, it was 1.4% less. The drop marked the fourth straight month-over-month fall in production.