How the BHP share price smashed the benchmark in August

BHP shares raced ahead of the ASX 200 in August. But why?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price was back in fine form in August.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed out July trading for $39.25. When the closing bell sounded on Friday, the last trading day in August, shares were changing hands for $43.19 apiece.

This put the BHP share price up an impressive 10.0% over the month, racing ahead of the 2.6% gains posted by the ASX 200 over this same period.

Here's why August was an excellent month to own the big Aussie miner.

A group of three men in hard hats and high visibility vests stand together at a mine site while one points and the others look on with piles of dirt and mining equipment in the background.

Image source: Getty Images

Why did the BHP share price surge in August?

The BHP share price enjoyed tailwinds on several fronts over the month just past.

Firstly, iron ore – BHP's top revenue earner – managed a sharp turn higher amid increasing investor optimism that stimulus measures from China will help support demand for the steel-making material from the world's second-biggest economy.

Iron ore ended July trading at US$99 per tonne. But rather than trend lower, as many analysts had been forecasting, the industrial metal topped US$102 per tonne in mid-August and finished off the month trading for just over US$101 per tonne.

Copper – BHP's second biggest revenue earner – also climbed over the month. Copper ended July trading for US$9,611 per tonne and ended August at US$9,902 per tonne, putting the red metal up 3.0%, according to data from Bloomberg.

What else were ASX 200 investors considering over the month?

The biggest news relating to the BHP share price in August was the release of miner's full-year FY 2025 results on the 19th.

Although most core metrics were down from FY 2024, the year-on-year decline in iron ore and coal prices was already broadly baked into the price.

Highlights from the 2025 financial year included revenue of US$51.26 billion, down 8% from FY 2024. Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$25.99 billion were down 10%. BHP's underlying profit of US$10.16 billion was down 26% year on year.

On the passive income front, management declared a final fully franked dividend of 92 Aussie cents per share, down 17% from last year's final BHP dividend. The miner trades ex-dividend this Thursday, 4 September.

This brings BHP's full FY 2025 dividend payout to a rounded $1.71 a share. At Friday's closing price, that sees the stock trading on a fully franked dividend yield of 4.0%.

The BHP share price closed up 1.6% on the day the company reported its results.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Resources Shares

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Capstone Copper shares today

A leading analyst expects more outperformance from Capstone Copper’s surging shares. But why?

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Resources Shares

Up 188% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords mining stock surging again today?

Investors are piling into this fast-rising ASX mining stock again on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Resources Shares

Sandfire Resources posts Q3 FY26 operations highlights and maintains guidance

Sandfire Resources has reported steady Q3 FY26 copper equivalent production, maintained guidance, and strengthened its net cash position.

Read more »

A golden woman shoots a bow and arrow high.
Resources Shares

Up 125% and at record high, can this ASX gold stock keep soaring?

The miner has momentum and the numbers to back it up.

Read more »

Three people jumping cheerfully in clear sunny weather.
Resources Shares

This ASX mining stock just jumped 19% on a huge drilling result

Firefly shares jump 19% after another major Green Bay drilling hit.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Resources Shares

Why surging ASX 200 copper stocks like Sandfire and BHP shares are 'vulnerable'

ASX copper stocks like BHP and Sandfire Resources could come under pressure, according to the latest forecasts from Goldman Sachs.

Read more »

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Resources Shares

Looking for an ASX lithium share with plenty of potential upside? This could be the one

Recent exploration results have impressed the analysts.

Read more »

Woman holding $50 notes with a delighted face.
Resources Shares

Why Greatland shares just hit a record high after a $260 million cash jump

Let's take a look.

Read more »