Corporate Finance

7211AFE – Corporate Finance

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide a financial and risk analysis of BHP group limited that is an Australian mining material company. This company was established in 1885 and it provides the product and services in the overall world.

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Andrew Mackenzie is CEO of BHP, who takes the support of 10 other independent or non- independent executive directors. This study provides the corporate governances of BHP with including financial market consideration and Corporate Social Responsibilities.

Moreover, the risk and return policy, earnings and cash flows, Financing Sources and dividend policy of the company are defined the study that perfectly represents the financial and risk analysis for BHP.

1.     Introduction

BHP Group Ltd is also known as BHP, BHP Billiton and BHP Group plc that is an Anglo-Australian multinational mining company. BHP was founded in 1885 at Broken Hill in New South Wales,

Australia but now it is headquartered in Melbourne. In 2017, BHP became the largest mining company on the basis of market capitalization and third largest company of Melbourne as per revenue (BHP Group ltd, 2019).

The below table is showing general information for BHP for the most recent financial results (FY18):

Company BHP Billiton
Origin Country Australia
Establishment Year 1885
Sector Basic Materials
Service Industrial Metals & Minerals
Listing ASX
ASX Code BHP
Reporting Currency US dollar
Revenue $43.6 billion
EBIT $23.2 billion
NPAT $4.8 billion

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2.     Corporate Governance

2.1 CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

The CEO and Managing Director of BHP is Mr. Andrew Mackenzie that was appointed as chief executive of non-ferrous in November 2008. On 10 May 2013, Mackenzie succeeded Marius Kloppers as the CEO of BHP Billiton.

He has experienced more than 30 years in oil and gas, minerals, over long-term cycles, global markets, technology, commodity value chains, and public policy.

2.2 Board of Directors

There are 11 directors in the board team of BHP, where 8 directors are Independent Non-Executive Directions that are elected by shareholders.

In addition, a non-independent director is a CEO (Andrew Mackenzie), a Senior Independent Director (Shriti Vadera) and Group Company Secretary and Chairman of the Disclosure Committee (Margaret Taylor) are also included in the board of directors.

Name Appointment Directorship Remuneration (USD yearly)
Kenneth MacKenzie 2017 Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board 826,000
Andrew Mackenzie 2013 Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director 8,106,000
Peter Beaven 2014 Chief Financial Officer 4,327,000
Mike Henry 2016 President – Operations, Minerals Australia 4,627,000
Daniel Malchuk 2016 President – Operations, Minerals Americas 4,332,000
Steve Pastor 2016 President – Operations Petroleum 3,560,000
Laura Tyler 2018 Asset President Olympic Dam
Diane Jurgens 2016 Chief Technology Officer
Arnoud Balhuizen 2017 Chief Commercial Officer
Geoff Healy 2016 Chief External Affairs Officer 3,837,000
Athalie Williams 2015 Chief People Officer 2,522,000
Rachel Agnew 2014 Company Secretary
Caroline Cox 2019 Company Secretary
Terence Bowen 2017 Independent Non-Executive Director 179,000
Malcolm Broomhead 2010 Independent Non-Executive Director 244,000
Ian Cockerill 2019 Independent Non-Executive Director
Anita Frew 2015 Non-Executive Independent Director 264,000
Carolyn Hewson 2010 Independent Non-Executive Director 237,000
Susan Kilsby 2019 Independent Non-Executive Director
Lindsay Maxsted 2011 Independent Non-Executive Director 267,000
John Mogford 2017 Independent Non-Executive Director 198,000
Shriti Vadera 2015 Senior Independent Non-Executive Director 298,000

 

2.3 Financial Market Considerations

Financial market interactions of BHP are shown in the below Figure:

Figure: Share Price and Trading Volume (Jan 2003 – Dec 2018)

As per the above figure, it is identified that BHP has the highest share price in June 2010 with 95.42 and trading volume was 905.87 million. Currently, the share price 51.78 and trading volume is 568.34 million. In 2015, there was a higher recession due to this, the share price was reduced at 26.97 and trading volume was 1 billion.

The below figure is providing a comparison with movements in the Index of Dow Jones Industrial Average:

Figure: Interaction with ASX All Ordinaries Markets (Jan 2005 – May 2019)

The above figure is representing the composition between the stock price of BHP and DOW. In this, it is defined that BHP was having a higher share price than DOW before Jan 2014 but now it has very less.

Currently, BHP has 43.47% value of share price but DOW has 136.21% that is competitively much high.

2.4 Corporate Social Responsibility

The strategy of BHP provides long-life to assets means because it thinks and plans as corporate social responsibility. In the operation, BHP follows authentic and respectful relationships with the stakeholders and maintains it for a long by focusing on CSR policies.

In addition, BHP has an effective sustainability approach that puts health and safety first and then responsible for environment and supports the community.

In order to protect the environment, the CSR policy of BHP provides biodiversity support, rehabilitation & closure, water stewardship and response for climate change governance and manages operational emissions effectively.

3.     Risk and Return

3.1 Sources of Risk

The business environment of BHP includes different kinds of risk areas for investors due to the level of competition as well as mining is a very risky industry that is based on luck also.

It includes both financial and non-financial risks (International risks, Operational risks, Environmental risks, etc.). An effective strategy is followed by BHP for risk management that includes risk assessments, risk controls, risk materiality, and tolerability evaluation.

3.2 Historic Risk Parameters

The historical risk parameters of BHP defines that the company has 0.24 risk beta currently. It indicates that the company has very fewer chances of the risk and the EPS is 2.05. The profit margin is 12.35% and returns on equity are 16.65%.

Stock Price History Values
Beta (3Y Monthly) 0.24
Risk free-rate 2.35
Forward Annual Dividend Yield 4.46%
Trailing Annual Dividend Yield 1.95%
52-Week Change 4.03%
S&P500 52-Week Change 5.91%
52 Week High 57.25
52 Week Low 43.19
50-Day Moving Average 54.38
200-Day Moving Average 50.12

The above table is representing the stock price history of BHP that is supportive to estimate the risk in the financial investment.

3.3 Valuation of BHP Stock Price

The stock price of BHP is determined by a financial comparable multiples analysis. In this, P/E (Price to Earnings) results are compared with its main competitors that are listed on ASX such as Anglo American, Exxon Mobil, BP, Nippon Steelm, etc.

Table: P/E Ratio for ASX Listed mining material firms:

Company P/E Ratio
BHP 19.38
Anglo American 9.4
Exxon Mobil 17.28
Nippon Steelm 10.80
BP 11.29

In 2018, it is calculated that the P/E ratio of BHP is 19.38 that is comparatively higher than its competitors. In addition, the below table is representing the financial forecasting for BHP to operate the business in long-run.

Long-Term financial forecast FY 19 FY 20 FY 21
Operating Revenue 43,882 44,393 43,544
EBITDA 23,298 23,940 22,636
Net income 9,615 10,256 9,538
P/E ratio 13.8 12.9 14.0
EPS ( $ ) 1.88 2.01 1.85

In the above table, all amounts are in USD Million. As per this forecasting, the business of BHP will grow in the future.

3.4 Default Risk and Cost of Debt

In addition, it is also calculated that interest-bearing liabilities of BHP was US$26.8 billion at the end of FY2018 and cash and cash equivalents were US$15.9 billion.

This resulted in net debt of BHP as per FY 2018 is 69.46 billion. However, it can be said that BHP’s recent recovery and ability to perform batter reflected on its debts. In order to identify the risk and cost of debt, last five financial year’s net debts and interest coverage are provided in the below figures:

Figure: Net Debts of BHP

Figure: BHP Interest coverage

At the same time, it is identified that BHP has maintained strong liquidity where it reserved the US $15.87 million as cash and cash equivalents in 2018. The interest converges for the year ending 2018 was 0.93.

3.5 Capital Structure

The capital structure of BHP is comprised of both debt and equity. The current capital structure of BHP is given as below:

Total Debt Interest Long Term Debt Percent Debt Preferred Stock Share Equity Percent Equity
$36,267,082 $2,120,146 $32,565,282 30% $0.00 $75,215,803 70%

 

LT Debt to Equity (MRQ) 51.05
Total Debt to Equity (MRQ) 53.22
Interest Coverage (TTM) 0.93

Currently, the total equity of the company is $55,592 million and a market value of $ 82,110 million adjusted to exclude hedge reserves. For the FY 2018, net on balance sheet debt was $ 69,460 million that also includes interest-bearing liabilities.

Below table is representing the capital structure of the BHP group Ltd’s subsidiary firms that are listed in ASX.

Security ASX Code Class Number
BHP EQY 2,945,851,394
BHPAA EQY 1
BHPAB EQY 1
BHPAC RGT 15,389,204
BHPAU COP 569,779

 

In addition, the WACC for BHP is calculated to identify the overall cost of capital and effectiveness of the capital structure.

Formula: WACC =

E / (E + D) * Cost of Equity + D / (E + D) * Cost of Debt * (1 – Tax Rate)
0.8215 * 3.4% + 0.1785 * 3.7989% * (1 – 43.695%)

WACC= 3.17%

 

  1. Weight of equity = E / (E + D) = 131763.864 / (131763.864 + 28639.5) = 0.8215
  2. Weight of debt = D / (E + D) = 28639.5 / (131763.864} + 28639.5) = 0.1785
  3. Cost of Equity = 1.96000000% + 0.24 * 6% = 3.4%
  4. Cost of Debt = 1088 / 28639.5 = 3.7989%
  5. The latest Two-year Average Tax Rate is 43.695%

4.     Earnings and Cash flow

4.1 Analyzing Existing Investments and Financial Returns

Figure: Financial leverage

In the above figure, the financial leverage of BHP is calculated on the basis of sales, debt and EBITDA. BHP is has debt of $10,934 million in FY 2018 and sales was $43,638 million.

Figure: Income statement evolution

In this figure, the financial return of the company is provided, where the FY 2016 is showing negative income with -$6385 million.

Activity Ratios  2018 (US $m) 2017 (US $m) 2016 (US $m)
Inventory turnover 38.25 25.15 46.45
Account receivable turnover 14.09 39.06 31.82
Account payable turnover 7.30 5.03 5.55

As per the above ratios, it is calculated that there is an increment in the inventory turnover and reduction in account receivable that is profitable for the firm. The account payable turnover is increased in FY 2018.

4.2 Marketplace Performance

The marketable performances of BHP’s shares are showing improvement from the financial year 2016 to 2018.

Year 2016 2017 2018
Price Per Share 13.89 17.89 25.10
EPS -1.65 1.46 0.9
P/E -11.6 16.2 36.2
Earnings Yield (%) 2.16% 4.64% 4.70%
Book Value per Share ($) 16.9 10.8 10.4

In this, the price per share has increased from 13.89 to 25.10 and yield increased from 2.16% to 4.70%.

4.3 Competitive Strengths

In recent financial years, the financial position of BHP has increased that has provided a good competitive strength to the company. In addition, the BHP also has a strong market and financial position that provides a good return on assets and diversified revenue stream respectively.

At the same time, BHP has a very strong international brand name with a strong workforce with over 45,000 employees as well as it is one of the largest petroleum and mining companies (BHP Group ltd, 2019).

4.4 Competitor Analysis

The petroleum and mining industry has several organizations in overall Australia but the main competitor of BHP is Anglo American mining company.

BHP Anglo American
Revenue ($b) 43.895 27.610
EBIT ($b) 7.02 5.24
Net Profit Margin 12.35% 12.85%
ROA 9.23% 6.07%
ROE 16.65% 14.90%
Operating Cash Flow ($b) 18.39 7.13
EPS 2.05 1.37
P/E 25.12 9.18
Total Debt/Equity 48.30 30.44

On the basis of the above table, it is identified that BHP has more financial value than Anglo American as per the revenue, profitability, cash flow and ROE.

5.     Financing Sources

5.1 Current Financing

The financing of BHP includes return on assets, investment, and equity over the previous 5 years.

FY 2018 Average of last 5 years
Return on Assets 5.27 5.1
Return on Investment 6.19 6.07
Return on Equity 10.56 8.78

As per the comparison of last five year’s data with current year data, it is identified that the current financing is more effective for investors that are providing a good return on the assets, investment, and equity.

5.2 Debt-Equity Trade-offs and Free Cash Flow

Trade-offs of BHP receives by the financing activates of the company.

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Net Income before Extraordinaire 23.68 9.67 -9.98 14.77 19.04
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization 8.41 11 11.9 8.2 8.12
Income Tax Expense 7.39 4.4 -1.45 5.89 9.04
EBITDA 31.02 24.42 15.66 24.11 28.63

As per the above table, the most significant impact of the one-off non-cash fleet down impairment that assists to deliver a $3.04 billion tax expense in FY18.

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Free Cash Flow ($B) 11.05 8.82 5.06 17.38 17.4
Free Cash Flow Growth -20.12% -42.70% 243.77% 0.11%
Free Cash Flow Yield 5.89%

The free cash flow was negative in the past years but it is showing positive in the recent two years. Due to this, free cash flow yield is calculated at 5.89% in the current financial year.

5.3 Financing Cost of Debt

On the basis of several cash transactions, it is identified that the current liquidity position of the company is strong because the current ratio for FY18 is 1.85 and the quick ratio is 1.53. In addition to this, the cost of debt is calculated (using: Cost of Debt = 1088/28639.5 = 3.7989%).

6.     Dividend Policy

6.1 Historical Dividend Policy Analysis

The share price of BHP shredding half its value between FY15 to FY17 that negatively impacted on shareholders of BHP. The below figure is representing historical dividend data for BHP for the last five years:

It is defining that the company has provided the highest dividend on 1st Oct 2018 to its shareholders.

6.2 Firm Characteristics

Dividend policies are typically used in relation to financial markets for collecting information about the current and potential future value of BHP.

The positive changes in dividends have really provided positive changes in the share price of a company such as investor demand. Consequently, it would be suggested to BHP that it may play a minor role in the dividend policies to increase the value of the organization.

In addition, the majority of the shareholders of BHP are holding shares between 1 and 5000 (BHP Group ltd, 2019). Due to this, the dividend policy directly impacts on the shareholders.

7.     Conclusion

On the basis of the above study, it is concluded that over the last 5 years, the performance of BHP in the marketplace has been impacting on the investors and shareholders. The overall financial performance is showing positively with 2.01% as per the current financial data. In addition to this, the share price is also showing positive outcomes from the last five years.

The current volume is showing 1.37 million that is comparably higher with previous year data. In addition to this, the ratio analysis is showing positive strengths of the company, where BHP has positive current and quick ratios. BHP also has financial resources and effective dividend policy that satisfies the shareholders.

References

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