It's August and that means the ASX reporting season is upon us. If you own BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares, here are a few things to watch out for in the month ahead.
What to watch in August if you own BHP shares
BHP is scheduled to release its full-year results on 17 August 2021. As an investor, a company's own annual report and management commentary are among the best sources of information you can get all year. However, there are other things investors can be watching in the coming weeks.
For one thing, commodity prices could be worth keeping an eye on. BHP generates significant earnings from petroleum, which means any changes in crude oil prices can move BHP shares. Given BHP's main earnings activities in mining, iron ore prices and activity among major importers like China are also worth watching.
For what it's worth, shares in the mining and energy giant are up 24.7% in 2021 and trading just shy of an all-time high. That means there could be plenty of investors eyeing off further gains in August if results are strong.
Digesting industry commentary and FY2022 outlooks is also important. Fellow iron ore giant Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) is set to report its full-year results on 30 August, but it could provide further context to BHP's results on 17 August.
Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) reported its half-year results on 28 July, punctuated by a monster $3.76 per share dividend – up 143% on the first half of 2020. Investors in BHP shares will be hoping there is more of the same to come when BHP announces its results in a couple of weeks.
Foolish takeaway
Given the strong performance of BHP shares in 2021 and the current iron ore boom, there is plenty to watch in August. The company's full-year results and those of its rivals represent a great starting point for any keen-eyed investor.
