Shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) have risen 1.8% today in the lead up to the mining giant's full-year earnings results, which will be released to the market shortly after the closing bell this afternoon.
As is the case with others in the industry, BHP Billiton is being strangled by falling commodity prices – particularly iron ore and oil which are both tipped to continue crumbling over the coming months, and maybe even years.
The miner is tipped to report its lowest annual profit result in years and investors will be looking for how it intends to protect its progressive dividend policy. The policy means it has promised to increase its dividend in US dollars every six-month period.
Investors will also be eager to learn how the miner expects to expand in light of the headwinds facing the sector with a focus on capital spending plans as well as cost-cutting initiatives.
While BHP has risen strongly today, so too have its rivals Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), up 3.9% and 11.6% respectively, while South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) has also risen 11.2%.
Watch this space for any updates on BHP Billiton's annual result.
