The BIG reason to buy BHP Billiton Limited shares today

There is a strong case for buying the miner, but this one reason makes it even more compelling.

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I have one big reason you should buy shares in BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) today.

It's not because of the miner's excellent diversification between operations…

Or because it's a safer play than other miners, including Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).

It's not even because its shares have dropped 18c or 0.5% today, even though the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has risen slightly.

While all of those factors certainly help build a strong case for the miner, there is one thing that makes it an even more compelling buy…

The one reason BHP is such an attractive investment prospect today is its superior shareholder returns, and they might get even better!

Already, the company offers a fully franked yield of 3.4%. Grossed up, that's a yield of 4.8%!

Not bad…

But BHP has indicated those returns could become even greater once it falls below its net debt target of US$25 billion. That could happen as soon as August 2014!

While it is unknown whether those returns will come in the form of a special dividend payment or a share buyback program, one thing that is for sure is it could bode very nicely for your portfolio.

The Motley Fool's number 1 dividend stock – yours FREE!

BHP Billiton has underperformed the broader market over the last few years, but that could all change as it continues to focus on reducing costs, improving productivity and increasing shareholder returns.

Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.

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