Wrap Text
BHP Billiton Results for the Year Ended 30 June 2012
22 August 2012
For Announcement to the Market
Name of Companies: BHP Billiton Limited (ABN 49 004 028 077) and
BHP Billiton Plc (Registration No. 3196209)
Report for the year ended 30 June 2012
This statement includes the consolidated results of the BHP Billiton Group, comprising BHP Billiton
Limited and BHP Billiton Plc, for the year ended 30 June 2012 compared with the years ended 30
June 2011 and 30 June 2010.
The results are prepared in accordance with IFRS and are presented in US dollars.
Headline Earnings
In accordance with the JSE Listing Requirements, Headline Earnings is presented below.
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 30 June
2012 2011 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders 15,417 23,648 12,722
Adjusted for:
Cost relating to the withdrawn offer for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan – 314 –
Gain on sale of PP&E, Investments and Operations (116) (41) (114)
Impairments/(reversal of impairments) 3,734 74 (284)
Recycling of re-measurements from equity to the income statement 203 (38) 4
Tax effect of above adjustments (1,231) (11) 193
Subtotal of Adjustments 2,590 298 (201)
Headline Earnings 18,007 23,946 12,521
Diluted Headline Earnings 18,007 23,946 12,542
Basic earnings per share denominator (millions) 5,323 5,511 5,565
Diluted earnings per share denominator (millions) 5,346 5,540 5,595
Headline Earnings per share (US cents) 338.3 434.5 225.0
Diluted Headline Earnings per share (US cents) 336.8 432.2 224.2
NEWS RELEASE
Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 22 August 2012
Number 18/12
BHP BILLITON RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012
- Our strategy to own and operate large, long-life, low-cost, expandable, upstream assets
diversified by commodity, geography and market remains a major point of differentiation,
particularly in the current, more challenging economic environment.
- Underlying EBIT(1)(2) decreased by 15% to US$27.2 billion and Attributable profit excluding
exceptional items(3) declined by 21% to US$17.1 billion. Exceptional items totalling
US$1.7 billion contributed to a 35% decline in Attributable profit to US$15.4 billion.
- Underlying EBIT margin(3) remained at a robust 39% while Underlying return on capital was
23%.
- Strong momentum established with annual production records achieved at 10 operations. Our
low risk, largely brownfield projects in execution are expected to create substantial shareholder
value.
- Net operating cash flow(4) of US$24.4 billion reflected the strong cash generating capacity of
the business throughout the economic cycle. Gearing of 26% remains within the parameters
defined by our solid A credit rating.
- An 11% increase in the 2012 financial year dividend takes the compound annual growth rate of
our progressive dividend to 26% over the last 10 years.
Year ended 30 June 2012 2011 Change
US$M US$M %
Revenue 72,226 71,739 0.7%
(1)
Underlying EBITDA 33,746 37,093 (9.0%)
(1)(2)
Underlying EBIT 27,238 31,980 (14.8%)
Profit from operations 23,752 31,816 (25.3%)
Attributable profit – excluding exceptional items 17,117 21,684 (21.1%)
Attributable profit 15,417 23,648 (34.8%)
(4)
Net operating cash flow 24,384 30,080 (18.9%)
Basic earnings per share – excluding exceptional items (US cents) 321.6 393.5 (18.3%)
Basic earnings per share (US cents) 289.6 429.1 (32.5%)
(1)(3)
Underlying EBITDA interest coverage (times) 53.2 102.8 (48.2%)
Dividend per share (US cents) 112.0 101.0 10.9%
The financial information on pages 21 to 43 has been prepared in accordance with IFRS. This news release including the financial information
is unaudited. Refer to page 17 for footnotes, including explanations of the non-IFRS measures used in this announcement. Variance analysis
relates to the relative financial and/or production performance of BHP Billiton and/or its operations during the year ended 30 June 2012
compared with the year ended 30 June 2011, unless otherwise noted.
News Release
RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012
Safety is a priority for BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton’s commitment to establish best practice in health and safety was illustrated by a six per cent decline
in the Group’s Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) in the 2012 financial year. Regrettably, despite the
decline in the TRIF to its lowest level on record, the Group suffered the tragic loss of three colleagues over the
twelve month period. The Group will maintain and enhance its focus on the elimination of fatal risks.
Robust performance in a challenging environment
Our strategy to own and operate large, long-life, low-cost, expandable, upstream assets diversified by commodity,
geography and market remains a major point of differentiation, particularly in the current, more challenging
economic environment.
Disciplined investment throughout the economic cycle has established strong momentum in our major
businesses, demonstrated by a twelfth consecutive annual production record at Western Australia Iron Ore
(WAIO) and record annual production at another nine operations.
Weakness in commodity markets and industry wide cost pressure resulted in a 15 per cent decline in Underlying
EBIT and a 21 per cent fall in Attributable profit (excluding exceptional items) in the 2012 financial year. Net
operating cash flow of US$24.4 billion declined by 19 per cent while Underlying return on capital was 23 per cent.
The value of the Company’s diversified strategy was reflected in the Group’s Underlying EBIT margin, which
remained at a robust 39 per cent.
The Group has been quick to respond to the change in the operating environment and has acted decisively by
closing energy intensive silicomanganese alloy production capacity in South Africa and by temporarily closing
capacity at TEMCO (Australia). In addition, metallurgical coal production at Norwich Park (Australia) was
suspended following a review of the mine’s profitability. The viability of other high-cost operations is being
assessed and additional measures are being implemented that will substantially reduce operating costs and
non-essential expenditure across the business.
The sale of our 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals (South Africa) to Rio Tinto is well
advanced while the review of our diamonds business is ongoing. Other targeted divestments are being
considered. These actions demonstrate the Group’s commitment to further simplify the portfolio.
Exceptional items contributed to the decline in Attributable profit
Attributable profit of US$15.4 billion for the 2012 financial year included a number of exceptional items: an
impairment of the Fayetteville (US) dry gas assets acquired from Chesapeake Energy in March 2011 of
US$1.8 billion (US$2.8 billion before tax); an impairment of the Nickel West (Australia) assets of US$355 million
(US$449 million before tax); and a US$342 million (US$452 million before tax) charge for the suspension or early
closure of operations and the change in status of specific projects, which included an impairment of the Olympic
Dam Project (Australia).
Other exceptional items included the settlement of insurance claims at Queensland Coal (Australia), which
resulted in other income of US$199 million (US$284 million before tax), while a US$637 million non-cash income
tax credit was recognised following the passage of Australia’s Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) and
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) extension into legislation in March 2012.
Investing in high return growth
With 20 major projects currently in execution with a combined budget of US$22.8 billion, BHP Billiton is largely
committed for the 2013 financial year. No major project approvals are expected over this timeframe. The majority
of the Group’s high quality projects in execution are scheduled to deliver first production before the end of the
2015 financial year. These low risk, largely brownfield projects will underpin the strong near-term momentum that
has been established in our major businesses and create substantial value for our shareholders.
2
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
BHP Billiton has an unrivalled portfolio of development options beyond those projects in execution and a
significant number of these are embedded within our existing footprint. As our current expenditure commitments
decline, future capital will be allocated to those options that maximise shareholder value, while also considering
the balance between short and long-term returns.
Our proven strategy delivers sector leading shareholder returns
The Group’s long stated priorities for capital management remain unchanged: firstly, to invest in high return
growth opportunities throughout the economic cycle; secondly, to maintain a solid A credit rating and to grow our
progressive dividend; and finally, to return excess capital to shareholders.
The disciplined application of these priorities within the framework of our strategy has not only facilitated strong
growth in the business but has also enabled the Company to return US$53.8 billion to shareholders in the form of
dividends and share buy-backs over the last 10 years.
The total dividend declared for the 2012 financial year increased by 11 per cent to 112 US cents per share. The
increase in the final dividend to 57 US cents per share takes the compound annual growth rate of our progressive
dividend to 26 per cent over that same 10 year period.
Outlook
Economic outlook
Concerns surrounding the stability of the Eurozone and the decline in economic activity that accompanied the
managed slowdown of growth in China led to significant market volatility in the 2012 financial year. In China, the
Government has introduced stimulatory measures aimed at supporting sustainable growth. The successful
containment of inflation, looser monetary policy and evidence of a recovery in infrastructure investment should be
positive for commodities demand in the short to medium term. Similarly, there are encouraging signs that the
United States housing market may have stabilised which should translate into upside for the world’s largest
economy if it leads to an improvement in consumer and business confidence.
Our positive longer-term view is unchanged as urbanisation and industrialisation across the developing world is
expected to remain the primary driver of global economic growth. While the rate of expansion within China has
adjusted to a more sustainable level as its economy has matured, economic growth in this decade is expected to
rise substantially in absolute terms given the higher starting base.
Commodities outlook
Prices for many of BHP Billiton’s products declined during the 2012 financial year as global economic growth
slowed and concerns surrounding the economic outlook increased. The impact was compounded by improved
supply for some commodities.
In the short term, we expect volatility in commodity markets to persist as temporary weakness in the
manufacturing and construction sectors across all key markets is expected to weigh on market sentiment.
However, in the medium term we expect supportive economic policy and a broad growth bias, particularly in
China, to lead to measured improvement in the external environment beginning in the first half of the 2013
financial year.
Growth in fixed asset investment in China over this timeframe is expected to support demand for the steel making
raw materials and iron ore prices specifically. In the longer-term, however, the strong financial returns that are
being generated by the low-cost iron ore producers will continue to encourage investment in brownfield capacity.
The development of this low-cost supply should, in our view, lead to a flattening of the cost curve and the gradual
mean reversion of prices, consistent with the backwardated nature of the iron ore forward curve.
3
News Release
The long-term dynamics for copper are particularly positive. Structural operating and capital cost pressure
associated with rising strip ratios and declining ore grades suggests that a relatively steep copper cost curve
should be maintained. Furthermore, the need to attract substantial new capacity into the market every year, if
supply is to keep pace with demand, should provide long-term support for the copper price.
Geopolitical concerns and macroeconomic sentiment continued to influence the energy complex and crude oil
pricing in particular. In the United States, the combination of an unusually warm winter and strong supply growth
had a detrimental impact on the Henry Hub natural gas price in the second half of the 2012 financial year. This
rapid decline in price resulted in a very significant switch from coal to gas fired electricity generation while on the
supply side, there was a marked decrease in the level of drilling activity in the dry gas basins. As the market
continues to rebalance, we believe that the Henry Hub gas price will adjust to reflect the economics of incremental
investment which should, in our view, support higher prices in the longer-term.
In summary, the global macroeconomic environment is expected to stabilise before improving in the first half of
the 2013 financial year. This recovery will provide support for commodity demand and pricing in the short to
medium term. For specific commodities, the industry will find it difficult to develop new supply quickly enough to
satisfy the expected increase in demand. This is particularly the case for industries where barriers to entry are
high (e.g. potash) or where the global resource endowment is in decline (e.g. copper). We believe that our
strategy of being a low-cost, upstream, diversified natural resources company will provide more opportunities to
create long-term shareholder value as commodity demand patterns evolve with economic development.
4
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Development projects
BHP Billiton approved eight major projects during the 2012 financial year for a total investment commitment of
US$7.5 billion (BHP Billiton share). Pre-commitment funding of US$2.7 billion (BHP Billiton share) was also
approved to further progress a series of development options.
In response to the challenging external environment the Group has chosen to delay the 2.5 million tonnes per
annum (100 per cent basis) expansion of Peak Downs that is associated with the Caval Ridge mine development
(Australia). The 5.5 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) Caval Ridge mine remains on schedule to
deliver first production in the 2014 calendar year.
With 20 major projects currently in execution with a combined budget of US$22.8 billion, BHP Billiton is largely
committed for the 2013 financial year. No major project approvals are expected over this timeframe. As our
current expenditure commitments decline, future capital will be allocated to those options that maximise
shareholder value, while also considering the balance between short and long-term returns.
Six major projects delivered first production in the 2012 financial year, namely: WAIO Rapid Growth Project 5,
Worsley Efficiency and Growth, North West Shelf CWLH Life Extension and the New South Wales Energy Coal
RX1 Project (all Australia), the Antamina Expansion (Peru) and the Escondida Ore Access project (Chile).
Projects that delivered first production during the 2012 financial year
(i)
Customer Project Capacity Capital expenditure Date of initial
(i) (ii)
Sector (US$M) production
Group
(iii)
Budget Actual Target Actual
Petroleum North West Shelf CWLH Replacement vessel with 245 211 2011 Q3 2011
Life Extension (Australia) capacity of 60,000 barrels of
BHP Billiton – 16.67% oil per day.
(iv) (iv)
Aluminium Worsley Efficiency and 1.1 million tonnes per 2,995 2,995 Q1 2012 Q1 2012
Growth (Australia) annum of additional alumina
BHP Billiton – 86% capacity.
(iv)
Base Antamina Expansion Increases ore processing 435 435 Q1 2012 Q1 2012
Metals (Peru) capacity to 130,000 tonnes
BHP Billiton – 33.75% per day.
Escondida Ore Access The relocation of the in-pit 319 319 Q2 2012 Q2 2012
(Chile) crushing and conveyor
BHP Billiton – 57.5% infrastructure provides
access to higher grade ore.
Iron Ore WAIO Rapid Growth Project integrated into 4,800 4,800 H2 2011 Q3 2011
Project 5 (Australia) subsequent expansion
BHP Billiton – 85% approvals that will increase
WAIO capacity to 220
(v)
million tonnes per annum .
(iv)
Energy RX1 Project (Australia) Increases run-of-mine 400 400 H2 2012 Q2 2012
Coal BHP Billiton – 100% thermal coal production by
approximately 4 million
tonnes per annum.
9,194 9,160
(i) All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton’s share unless noted otherwise. All references to capacity are 100 per cent unless
noted otherwise.
(ii) References are based on calendar years.
(iii) Number subject to finalisation.
(iv) As per revised budget and/or schedule.
(v) Consistent with the revised scope of the iron ore development sequence.
5
News Release
Projects approved during the 2012 financial year
(i)
Customer Project Capacity Budgeted capital Target date
Sector expenditure for initial
(i) (ii)
Group (US$M) production
Petroleum North West Shelf Greater To maintain LNG plant throughput 400 2016
Western Flank-A (Australia) from the North West Shelf operations.
BHP Billiton – 16.67%
Base Metals Escondida Organic Growth Replaces the Los Colorados 2,207 H1 2015
Project 1 (Chile) concentrator with a new 152,000
BHP Billiton – 57.5% tonnes per day plant.
Escondida Oxide Leach New dynamic leaching pad and 414 H1 2014
Area Project (Chile) mineral handling system. Maintains
BHP Billiton – 57.5% oxide leaching capacity.
Iron Ore WAIO Orebody 24 Maintains iron ore production output 698 H2 2012
(Australia) from the Newman Joint Venture
BHP Billiton – 85% operations.
(iii)
Metallurgical Caval Ridge (Australia) The greenfield mine will add 5.5 2,100 2014
Coal BHP Billiton – 50% million tonnes per annum of export
metallurgical coal as planned. The
associated 2.5 million tonnes per
annum expansion of Peak Downs has
been delayed indefinitely.
Appin Area 9 (Australia) Maintains Illawarra Coal’s production 845 2016
BHP Billiton – 100% capacity with a replacement mining
domain and capacity to produce 3.5
million tonnes per annum of
metallurgical coal.
Energy Coal Cerrejon P40 Project Increases saleable thermal coal 437 2013
(Colombia) production by 8 million tonnes per
BHP Billiton – 33.3% annum to approximately 40 million
tonnes per annum.
Newcastle Third Port Increases total coal terminal capacity 367 2014
Project Stage 3 (Australia) from 53 million tonnes per annum to
BHP Billiton – 35.5% 66 million tonnes per annum.
7,468
(i) All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton’s share unless noted otherwise. All references to capacity are 100 per cent unless
noted otherwise.
(ii) References are based on calendar years.
(iii) Capital expenditure under review following the decision to delay the 2.5 million tonnes per annum expansion of Peak Downs. Excludes
announced pre-commitment funding.
6
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Projects currently under development (approved in prior years)
(i)
Customer Project Capacity Budgeted capital Target date
Sector expenditure for initial
(i) (ii)
Group (US$M) production
Petroleum Macedon (Australia) 200 million cubic feet of gas per day. 1,050 2013
BHP Billiton – 71.43%
(iii) (iii)(iv)
Bass Strait Kipper 10,000 barrels of condensate per day 900 2012
(Australia) and processing capacity of 80 million
BHP Billiton – 32.5% – cubic feet of gas per day.
50%
(iii) (iii)
Bass Strait Turrum 11,000 barrels of condensate per day 1,350 2013
(Australia) and processing capacity of 200
BHP Billiton – 50% million cubic feet of gas per day.
North West Shelf 2,500 million cubic feet of gas per 850 2013
North Rankin B Gas day.
Compression (Australia)
BHP Billiton – 16.67%
Diamonds & EKATI Misery Open Pit Project consists of a pushback of the 323 2015
Specialty Project (Canada) existing Misery open pit which was
Products BHP Billiton – 80% mined from 2001 to 2005.
(v)
Iron Ore WAIO Jimblebar Mine Increases mining and processing 3,300 Q1 2014
Expansion (Australia) capacity to 35 million tonnes per
BHP Billiton – 96% annum.
(v)
WAIO Port Hedland Inner Increases total inner harbour capacity 1,900 H2 2012
Harbour Expansion to 220 million tonnes per annum with
(Australia) debottlenecking opportunities to 240
BHP Billiton – 85% million tonnes per annum.
(v)
WAIO Port Blending and Optimises resource and enhances 1,400 H2 2014
Rail Yard Facilities efficiency across the WAIO supply
(Australia) chain.
BHP Billiton – 85%
Samarco Fourth Pellet Increases iron ore pellet production 1,750 H1 2014
Plant (Brazil) capacity by 8.3 million tonnes per
BHP Billiton – 50% annum to 30.5 million tonnes per
annum.
Metallurgical Daunia (Australia) Greenfield mine development with 800 2013
Coal BHP Billiton – 50% capacity to produce 4.5 million tonnes
per annum of export metallurgical
coal.
Broadmeadow Life Increases productive capacity by 0.4 450 2013
Extension (Australia) million tonnes per annum and
BHP Billiton – 50% extends the life of the mine by 21
years.
(v)
Hay Point Stage Three Increases port capacity from 44 1,250 2014
Expansion (Australia) million tonnes per annum to 55
BHP Billiton – 50% million tonnes per annum and
reduces storm vulnerability.
15,323
(i) All references to capital expenditure are BHP Billiton’s share unless noted otherwise. All references to capacity are 100 per cent unless
noted otherwise.
(ii) References are based on calendar years.
(iii) As per revised budget and/or schedule.
(iv) Facilities ready for first production pending resolution of mercury content.
(v) Excludes announced pre-commitment funding.
7
News Release
Income statement
To provide clarity regarding the underlying performance of our operations we present Underlying EBIT, which is a
measure used internally and in our Supplementary Information, that excludes any exceptional items. Exceptional
items are described on page 11. The difference between Underlying EBIT and Profit from operations is set out in
the following table:
Year ended 30 June 2012 2011
US$M US$M
Underlying EBIT 27,238 31,980
Exceptional items (before taxation) (3,486) (164)
Profit from operations (EBIT) 23,752 31,816
Underlying EBIT
The following table and commentary describes the approximate impact of the principal factors that affected
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year compared with the 2011 financial year:
US$M US$M
Underlying EBIT for the year ended 30 June 2011 31,980
Change in volumes:
Increase in volumes 2,529
Decrease in volumes (2,221)
308
Net price impact:
Change in sales prices (2,213)
Price-linked costs 253
(1,960)
Change in costs:
Costs (rate and usage) (3,138)
Exchange rates 820
Inflation on costs (764)
(3,082)
Asset sales 78
Ceased and sold operations 347
New and acquired operations (86)
Exploration and business development (819)
Other 472
Underlying EBIT for the year ended 30 June 2012 27,238
Volumes
Disciplined investment throughout the economic cycle has established strong momentum in our major
businesses, demonstrated by a twelfth consecutive annual production record at WAIO and record annual
production at another nine operations. In aggregate, volumes increased Underlying EBIT by US$308 million in the
period.
WAIO shipments rose to a record annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June 2012 quarter (100 per cent
basis). The resultant 23 million tonne (BHP Billiton share) uplift in WAIO shipments increased Underlying EBIT by
US$2.4 billion in the 2012 financial year.
Downtime at our non-operated facilities in the Gulf of Mexico (US) and the North West Shelf, and natural field
decline, particularly at Pyrenees (Australia), were the major contributors to the volume related US$1.1 billion
reduction in Underlying EBIT for the Petroleum business. The high margin Atlantis and Mad Dog (both US)
facilities resumed production in August 2012. In Base Metals, annual copper production records were set at
Antamina and Spence (Chile) although lower grades and industrial action constrained performance at Escondida.
An overall decline in Base Metals volumes reduced Underlying EBIT by US$509 million in the period.
8
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Prices
Prices for many of BHP Billiton’s products declined during the 2012 financial year as global economic growth
slowed and concerns surrounding the economic outlook increased. In total, lower average realised prices reduced
Underlying EBIT by US$2.0 billion in the 2012 financial year, net of price-linked costs. The impact was most
apparent in our Base Metals and Iron Ore businesses where weaker prices reduced Underlying EBIT by
US$1.6 billion and US$1.3 billion, respectively. No respite was provided for our Aluminium, Manganese and
Stainless Steel Materials businesses where lower realised prices reduced Underlying EBIT by a combined
US$1.2 billion.
In Petroleum, a 19 per cent increase in the average realised price of oil and a 29 per cent rise in the average
realised price of liquefied natural gas contributed to a US$1.5 billion increase in Underlying EBIT in the 2012
financial year. In addition, stronger thermal and metallurgical coal prices increased Underlying EBIT by a
combined US$434 million, net of price-linked costs.
Costs
Higher costs, excluding the impacts of inflation, exchange rate volatility and non-cash items, reduced Underlying
EBIT by US$2.7 billion in the 2012 financial year. Labour and contractor cost increases accounted for
approximately one third of the impact while industrial action at Queensland Coal created additional pressure.
The Group has been quick to respond to the change in the operating environment and has acted decisively by
closing energy intensive silicomanganese alloy production capacity in South Africa and by temporarily closing
capacity at TEMCO. In addition, metallurgical coal production at Norwich Park was suspended following a review
of the mine’s profitability. The viability of other high-cost operations is being assessed and additional measures
are being implemented that will substantially reduce operating costs and non-essential expenditure across the
business.
Non-cash items, which included foreign exchange rate related adjustments to the carrying value of inventory and
higher depreciation associated with the completion of major projects, reduced Underlying EBIT by a further
US$435 million in the 2012 financial year.
Exchange rates
The cost related impact of the stronger Australian dollar reduced Underlying EBIT by US$565 million in the 2012
financial year. However, the positive restatement of monetary items in the balance sheet that followed the general
strengthening of the US dollar against a basket of currencies at the end of the period resulted in a US$1.1 billion
increase in Underlying EBIT. In total, exchange rate volatility increased Underlying EBIT by US$820 million.
The following exchange rates against the US dollar have been applied:
Average Average As at As at As at
Year ended Year ended 30 June 30 June 30 June
30 June 30 June 2012 2011 2010
2012 2011
(i)
Australian dollar 1.03 0.99 1.00 1.07 0.85
Chilean peso 492 486 510 470 545
Colombian peso 1,825 1,843 1,807 1,779 1,920
Brazilian real 1.78 1.68 2.08 1.57 1.81
South African rand 7.77 7.01 8.41 6.80 7.68
(i) Displayed as US$ to A$1 based on common convention.
Inflation on costs
Inflationary pressure had an unfavourable impact on all Customer Sector Groups and reduced Underlying EBIT by
US$764 million during the 2012 financial year. The pressure was most notable in Australia and South Africa which
accounted for 75 per cent of the total impact.
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News Release
Asset sales
The contribution of asset sales to Underlying EBIT increased by US$78 million from the corresponding period and
primarily reflected the receipt of a post-closing payment that followed the 2006 divestment of our interests in
Cascade and Chinook (US).
Ceased and sold operations
A favourable foreign exchange related restatement and partial release of the Newcastle steelworks (Australia)
rehabilitation provision accounted for the majority of the US$347 million increase in Underlying EBIT.
New and acquired operations
Assets are reported as new and acquired operations until there is a full year period for comparison. New and
acquired operations reduced Underlying EBIT by US$86 million in the 2012 financial year.
Exploration and business development
Exploration expense increased by US$662 million to US$1.7 billion in the 2012 financial year. Within Minerals
(US$928 million expense), greenfield exploration continued on copper targets in South America, nickel and
copper targets in Australia, and iron ore and potash targets globally.
Petroleum exploration expense was US$818 million and included a US$144 million impairment of exploration
previously capitalised. Our activities focused on offshore Western Australia, the Gulf of Mexico, South East Asia
and our recently acquired Onshore US business.
A general increase in the level of business development expenditure reduced Underlying EBIT by a further
US$157 million in the 2012 financial year.
Other
The absence of specific provisions and non-cash charges that were reported in the Aluminium and Base Metals
businesses in the 2011 financial year largely accounted for a US$472 million increase in Underlying EBIT in the
period.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs increased to US$730 million from US$561 million in the corresponding period. This was
primarily driven by increased net interest expense on higher net debt, partially offset by exchange rate variations
on net debt.
Taxation expense
Total taxation expense including royalty-related taxation, exceptional items and exchange rate movements, was
US$7.5 billion, representing an effective tax rate of 32.5 per cent (30 June 2011: 23.4 per cent).
Excluding the impacts of royalty-related taxation, exceptional items and exchange rate movements, taxation
(3)
expense was US$8.1 billion representing an underlying effective tax rate of 30.5 per cent (30 June 2011:
32.1 per cent).
Exchange rate movements increased taxation expense by US$250 million (30 June 2011: decrease of
US$1.5 billion). The reduced impact compared to the 2011 financial year is predominantly due to eligible
Australian entities electing to adopt a US dollar tax functional currency from 1 July 2011.
Exceptional items decreased taxation expense by US$1.7 billion (30 June 2011: decrease of US$2.1 billion)
predominantly due to the recognition of tax benefits of US$1.2 billion arising from the impairments of goodwill and
other assets in relation to the Fayetteville shale gas assets, Nickel West and the Olympic Dam expansion project,
and the recognition of a net income tax benefit of US$637 million on enactment of the MRRT and PRRT extension
legislation in Australia.
10
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Government imposed royalty arrangements calculated by reference to profits after adjustment for temporary
differences are reported as royalty-related taxation. Royalty-related taxation (excluding exceptional items)
contributed US$889 million to taxation expense representing an effective tax rate of 3.9 per cent
(30 June 2011: US$828 million and 2.6 per cent).
Other royalty and excise arrangements which do not have these characteristics are recognised as operating costs
within profit before taxation. These amounted to US$3.1 billion during the period (30 June 2011: US$2.9 billion).
Exceptional items
Year ended 30 June 2012 Gross Tax Net
US$M US$M US$M
Exceptional items by category
Impairment of Fayetteville goodwill and other assets (2,835) 996 (1,839)
Impairment of Nickel West goodwill and other assets (449) 94 (355)
Suspension or early closure of operations and the
(i)
change in status of specific projects (502) 108 (394)
(i)
Settlement of insurance claims 300 (90) 210
Recognition of deferred tax assets on enactment of
MRRT and PRRT extension legislation in Australia – 637 637
(3,486) 1,745 (1,741)
(i) Includes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests of US$(34) million (US$7 million tax expense).
As a result of the fall in United States domestic gas prices and the company’s decision to adjust its development
plans, the Group has recognised impairments of goodwill and other assets in relation to its Fayetteville shale gas
assets. A total impairment charge of US$2.8 billion (US$996 million tax benefit) was recognised in the 2012
financial year.
The Group has recognised impairments of goodwill and other assets at Nickel West as a result of the continued
downturn in the nickel price and margin deterioration. A total impairment charge of US$449 million (US$94 million
tax benefit) was recognised in the 2012 financial year.
As part of our regular portfolio review, various operations and projects around the Group have either been
suspended, closed early or changed in status. These include: the change in status of the Olympic Dam expansion
project; the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO and the permanent closure of the Metalloys South
Plant in South Africa; the indefinite cessation of production at Norwich Park; and the suspension of other minor
capital projects. As a result, impairment charges of US$422 million (US$84 million tax benefit), idle capacity costs
and inventory write-down of US$40 million (US$12 million tax benefit) and other restructuring costs of US$40
million (US$12 million tax benefit) were recognised in the 2012 financial year.
During 2008, extreme weather across the central Queensland coalfields affected production from the BHP Billiton
Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) operations. The Group settled insurance claims in
respect of the lost production and insurance claim income of US$300 million (US$90 million tax expense) was
recognised in the 2012 financial year.
The Australian MRRT and PRRT extension legislation were enacted in March 2012. Under the legislation, the
Group is entitled to a deduction against future MRRT and PRRT liabilities based on the market value of its coal,
iron ore and petroleum assets. A deferred tax asset, and an associated net income tax benefit of US$637 million,
was recognised in the 2012 financial year to reflect the future deductibility of these market values for MRRT and
PRRT purposes, to the extent they are considered recoverable.
Cash flows
Net operating cash flows after interest and tax decreased by 19 per cent to US$24.4 billion for the 2012 financial
year. A US$3.8 billion reduction in cash generated from operations (after changes in working capital balances)
was the major contributor to the decline. Higher net income tax paid and increased royalty-related taxation
payments further reduced net operating cash flows after interest and tax by US$1.4 billion and US$408 million,
respectively.
11
News Release
Investing cash flows increased by US$15.6 billion primarily driven by investment in subsidiaries and operations of
US$12.6 billion in the 2012 financial year. Capital and exploration expenditure totalled US$20.8 billion in the 2012
financial year. Expenditure on major growth projects was US$16.3 billion, including US$5.1 billion on Petroleum
projects and US$11.2 billion on Minerals projects. Capital expenditure on sustaining and other items was
US$2.0 billion. Exploration expenditure was US$2.5 billion, including US$1.6 billion classified within net operating
cash flows.
Net financing cash flows include proceeds from borrowings of US$13.3 billion partially offset by dividend
payments of US$5.9 billion and debt repayments of US$4.3 billion. Proceeds from borrowings include the
issuance of a three tranche Global Bond of US$3.0 billion, a five tranche Global Bond of US$5.3 billion, a two
tranche Euro Bond of €2.0 billion and proceeds from Commercial Paper of US$995 million.
Net debt, comprising interest bearing liabilities less cash, was US$23.6 billion which was an increase of
US$17.8 billion compared to the net debt position at 30 June 2011.
Dividend
Disciplined investment in our business, our commitment to a solid A credit rating and progressive dividend, and a
track record of returning surplus capital to shareholders, have been the hallmarks of our capital management
strategy for more than a decade. This approach has not only facilitated strong growth in our business but has also
enabled the company to return US$53.8 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buy-backs over
the last 10 years.
The total dividend declared for the 2012 financial year increased by 11 per cent to 112 US cents per share. The
increase in the final dividend to 57 US cents per share takes the compound annual growth rate of our progressive
dividend to 26 per cent over that same 10 year period.
The dividend to be paid by BHP Billiton Limited will be fully franked for Australian taxation purposes. Dividends for
the BHP Billiton Group are determined and declared in US dollars. However, BHP Billiton Limited dividends are
mainly paid in Australian dollars, and BHP Billiton Plc dividends are mainly paid in pounds sterling and South
African rand to shareholders on the UK section and the South African section of the register, respectively.
Currency conversions will be based on the foreign currency exchange rates on the Record Date, except for the
conversion into South African rand, which will take place on the last day to trade on JSE Limited, being
31 August 2012. Please note that all currency conversion elections must be registered by the Record Date, being
7 September 2012. Any currency conversion elections made after this date will not apply to this dividend.
The timetable in respect of this dividend will be:
Last day to trade cum dividend on JSE Limited and currency conversion into rand 31 August 2012
Ex-dividend Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and JSE Limited (JSE) 3 September 2012
Ex-dividend London Stock Exchange (LSE) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) 5 September 2012
Record Date (including currency conversion and currency election dates, except for rand) 7 September 2012
Payment date 28 September 2012
American Depositary Shares (ADSs) each represent two fully paid ordinary shares and receive dividends
accordingly.
BHP Billiton Plc shareholders registered on the South African section of the register will not be able to
dematerialise or rematerialise their shareholdings between the dates of 3 September and 7 September 2012
(inclusive), nor will transfers between the UK register and the South African register be permitted between the
dates of 31 August and 7 September 2012 (inclusive).
Details of the currency exchange rates applicable for the dividend will be announced to the relevant stock
exchanges following conversion and will appear on the Group’s website.
12
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Debt management and liquidity
In August 2011, the Group arranged a new unsecured 364 day multicurrency term and revolving credit facility to
fund the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Petrohawk Energy Corporation. The
US$7.5 billion facility consisted of two tranches: a US$5.0 billion term loan and a US$2.5 billion revolving credit
facility. The term loan and the revolving credit facility have since been cancelled.
During the 2012 financial year the Group issued the following debt securities in the debt capital markets:
- In November 2011, a three tranche Global Bond comprising US$1.0 billion 1.125% Senior Notes due 2014,
US$750 million 1.875% Senior Notes due 2016 and US$1.25 billion 3.250% Senior Notes due 2021.
- In February 2012, a five tranche Global Bond comprising US$1.0 billion Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2014
paying interest at three-month US dollar LIBOR plus 27 basis points, US$1.0 billion 1.000% Senior Notes due
2015, US$1.25 billion 1.625% Senior Notes due 2017, US$1.0 billion 2.875% Senior Notes due 2022, and US$1.0
billion 4.125% Senior Notes due 2042.
- In May 2012, a two tranche Euro Bond comprising €1.25 billion 2.125% bonds due 2018 and €750 million
3.000% bonds due 2024.
As at 30 June 2012, the Group had US$995 million outstanding in the US commercial paper market and the
Group's cash and cash equivalents on hand was US$4.9 billion. The Group has access to an undrawn
US$4.0 billion Revolving Credit Facility to support the commercial paper program, which expires in December
2015.
Our commitment to maintain a solid A credit rating remains unchanged.
Corporate governance
On 14 May 2012, the Board announced the appointment of Mr Pat Davies as a Non-executive Director with effect
from 1 June 2012.
CUSTOMER SECTOR GROUP SUMMARY
The following table provides a summary of the performance of the Customer Sector Groups for the 2012 financial
year and the corresponding period.
(i)
Year ended 30 June Revenue Underlying EBIT
(US$M) 2012 2011 Change % 2012 2011 Change %
Petroleum 12,937 10,737 20.5% 6,348 6,330 0.3%
Aluminium 4,766 5,221 (8.7%) (291) 266 (209.4%)
Base Metals 11,596 14,152 (18.1%) 3,965 6,790 (41.6%)
Diamonds and Specialty Products 1,326 1,517 (12.6%) 199 587 (66.1%)
Stainless Steel Materials 2,993 3,861 (22.5%) 32 588 (94.6%)
Iron Ore 22,601 20,412 10.7% 14,201 13,328 6.6%
Manganese 2,152 2,423 (11.2%) 235 697 (66.3%)
Metallurgical Coal 7,576 7,573 0.0% 1,570 2,670 (41.2%)
Energy Coal 6,022 5,507 9.4% 1,227 1,129 8.7%
(ii)
Group and unallocated items 310 385 N/A (248) (405) N/A
Less: inter-segment revenue (53) (49) N/A – – N/A
BHP Billiton Group 72,226 71,739 0.7% 27,238 31,980 (14.8%)
(i) Underlying EBIT includes trading activities comprising the sale of third party product. Underlying EBIT for the Group is reconciled to Profit
from operations on page 8.
(ii) Includes consolidation adjustments, unallocated items and external sales from the Group's freight, transport and logistics operations.
13
News Release
Petroleum
The successful integration and further development of our Onshore US shale liquids and gas assets contributed
to a 40 per cent increase in petroleum production to 222 million barrels of oil equivalent for the 2012 financial
year.
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year was unchanged from the prior period at US$6.3 billion. This strong
financial performance was achieved despite natural field decline at Pyrenees and the substantial deferral of high
margin production in the Gulf of Mexico and the North West Shelf. Higher prices increased Underlying EBIT by
US$1.5 billion largely as a result of a 19 per cent increase in the average realised price of oil to US$110.66 per
barrel and a 29 per cent rise in the average realised price of liquefied natural gas to US$14.23 per thousand
standard cubic feet. For US natural gas, our average realised price in the 2012 financial year was US$2.82 per
thousand standard cubic feet.
We achieved success in our conventional exploration program in the 2012 financial year as seven of 12 wells
encountered hydrocarbons. The associated rise in our level of activity resulted in a US$310 million increase in
exploration expense for the period. A US$775 million high impact exploration program, largely focused on the Gulf
of Mexico and Western Australia, will target large prospective resources in the 2013 financial year.
Capital expenditure across our conventional and unconventional businesses totalled US$5.8 billion in the 2012
financial year. Exploration and development expenditure specifically within our Onshore US business totalled
US$3.7 billion and is expected to rise to US$4.0 billion in the 2013 financial year. Over 80 per cent of the activity
in our Onshore US business will be focused on the liquids rich Eagle Ford shale and the Permian Basin.
Development of these liquids rich shales complements our traditional project pipeline given the rapid payback on
investment and particularly high rates of return.
Petroleum production is forecast to increase to approximately 240 million barrels of oil equivalent in the 2013
financial year, despite the deferral of Onshore US natural gas drilling. This includes a 15 per cent rise in valuable
liquids production which will be underpinned by the recommencement of operations at Mad Dog and Atlantis and
an increase in activity in our liquids rich Onshore US acreage. The strong growth potential of our shale business
was demonstrated by the 60 per cent increase in liquids production to more than 40 thousand barrels per day
over the 10 month period.
Aluminium
Record annual production at the Alumar refinery (Brazil) contributed to a four per cent increase in total alumina
production in the 2012 financial year. Metal production was lower as potline capacity at Hillside (South Africa) was
temporarily curtailed following a major unplanned outage in the March 2012 quarter.
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year decreased by US$557 million to a loss of US$291 million as weaker
prices and cost escalation drove significant margin compression. An eight per cent reduction in the average
realised price of aluminium (to US$2,314 per tonne) and a three per cent decline in the average realised price of
alumina (to US$333 per tonne) reduced Underlying EBIT by US$245 million, net of price-linked costs. Higher raw
material costs for inputs such as coke and caustic soda led to a further US$223 million decline in Underlying
EBIT. Costs associated with the Hillside outage added to the decline.
The Worsley Efficiency and Growth project delivered first production during the 2012 financial year.
Base Metals
BHP Billiton established strong momentum in its Base Metals business in the June 2012 quarter. Escondida
copper production increased by 22 per cent from the March 2012 quarter as mining activities progressed towards
higher grade ore while quarterly material mined, mill throughput and copper production records at Antamina
added to the strong finish to the year. Annual copper production, however, declined marginally in the 2012
financial year as lower grades and industrial action constrained performance at Escondida for the first nine
months of the year.
14
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year decreased by US$2.8 billion to US$4.0 billion. A 14 per cent fall in the
average realised price of copper to US$3.58 per pound was the major contributor to the decline and reduced
Underlying EBIT by US$1.4 billion. General cost pressure across the Base Metals portfolio, together with unit cost
escalation specifically associated with industrial activity and lower ore grades at Escondida, reduced Underlying
EBIT by US$841 million.
At 30 June 2012, the Group had 278,547 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted
average price of US$3.49 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined in the 2013 financial year.
In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment
in 2012. This finalisation adjustment and the provisional pricing impact as at 30 June 2012 decreased Underlying
EBIT by US$265 million for the period (2011 financial year: US$650 million gain).
Escondida copper production is forecast to increase by approximately 20 per cent in the 2013 financial year.
Successful completion of both the Escondida Ore Access and Laguna Seca debottlenecking projects is expected
to drive Escondida copper production to over 1.3 million tonnes (100 per cent basis) in the 2015 financial year.
Development of Escondida Organic Growth Project 1 and the Oxide Leach Area Project is expected to sustain
Escondida copper production at an elevated level for the remainder of this decade.
Diamonds and Specialty Products
As anticipated, diamond production in the 2012 financial year was lower than the prior period. EKATI (Canada)
production is forecast to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material,
consistent with the mine plan.
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year declined by US$388 million to US$199 million, despite stronger
diamond and titanium prices that increased Underlying EBIT by US$246 million. The decline in production at
EKATI, which reduced Underlying EBIT by US$357 million, was the major contributing factor to the compression
of operating margins. Higher potash exploration and business development costs decreased Underlying EBIT by
a further US$171 million.
The sale of our 37 per cent non-operated interest in Richards Bay Minerals to Rio Tinto is well advanced while the
review of our diamonds business is ongoing.
Stainless Steel Materials
The successful replacement of the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) in the September 2011 quarter led
to an increase in annual nickel production.
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year decreased by US$556 million to US$32 million. A 22 per cent decline
in the average realised nickel price reduced Underlying EBIT by US$584 million, net of price-linked costs. At
Nickel West Mt Keith, a reduction in mining activity and the commissioning of the Talc Redesign project delivered
tangible cost benefits during the period. Construction of the new Kwinana hydrogen plant (Australia) was also
completed in the 2012 financial year.
Iron Ore
BHP Billiton’s commitment to invest throughout the economic cycle delivered a twelfth consecutive annual
production record in iron ore. WAIO shipments rose to a record annualised rate of 179 million tonnes in the June
2012 quarter (100 per cent basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the ramp up of Ore Handling
Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the company’s rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at
Port Hedland contributed to the record result. Samarco’s (Brazil) three pellet plants continued to operate at
capacity during the period.
15
News Release
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year increased by US$873 million to a record US$14.2 billion. Outstanding
financial performance was underpinned by record production at WAIO which increased Underlying EBIT by
US$2.4 billion. This was partially offset by a seven per cent and five per cent decline in fines and lump prices,
respectively, which reduced Underlying EBIT by US$1.3 billion, net of price-linked costs. While the acquisition of
the HWE Mining subsidiaries in September 2012 eliminated third party contractor margin, one-off integration costs
and an increase in exploration expense more than offset the cost savings achieved in the period.
WAIO production is forecast to increase by approximately five per cent in the 2013 financial year. Commissioning
of the WAIO Port Hedland Inner Harbour Expansion project remains on schedule for the second half of the 2012
calendar year and is expected to increase our inner harbour capacity to 220 million tonnes per annum (100 per
cent basis). Subsequent debottlenecking opportunities that will enable us to maximise our capacity in the inner
harbour continue to be assessed.
Manganese
Consistently strong operating performance and improved plant availability at both GEMCO (Australia) and Hotazel
(South Africa) underpinned annual ore production and sales records in the 2012 financial year. Alloy production
was substantially lower than the corresponding period following the termination of energy intensive
silicomanganese production at Metalloys and the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO.
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year decreased by US$462 million to US$235 million. A 22 per cent decline
in the average realised price of ore and a 10 per cent decline in the average realised price of alloy reduced
Underlying EBIT by US$400 million, net of price-linked costs. In contrast, record manganese ore sales increased
Underlying EBIT by US$64 million.
The US$167 million (BHP Billiton share) GEEP2 expansion project will further solidify GEMCO as one of the
lowest cost and largest manganese mines in the industry. On completion, the GEEP2 project will increase
processing capacity from 4.2 to 4.8 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) with first production anticipated
on schedule in the second half of the 2013 calendar year.
Metallurgical Coal
A modest increase in metallurgical coal production was achieved in the 2012 financial year despite numerous
operating challenges. Production at Queensland Coal remained constrained largely as a result of industrial action,
weather related downtime and geotechnical issues at Gregory Crinum. Record annual production at Illawarra Coal
(Australia) followed successful commissioning of the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant upgrade project.
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year decreased by US$1.1 billion to US$1.6 billion. Lower production and
associated unit cost pressures at Queensland Coal reduced Underlying EBIT by US$1.1 billion. The progression
of our development pipeline also led to an increase in exploration and business development costs in the period.
In contrast, a six per cent increase in the price of hard coking coal increased Underlying EBIT by US$339 million,
net of price-linked costs.
In July 2012, force majeure was lifted across all BMA sites. In addition, BMA and the unions reached a framework
agreement that should guide the finalisation of the BMA Enterprise Agreement. Further work is underway to
finalise local mine site details.
In response to the challenging external environment the Group has chosen to delay the 2.5 million tonnes per
annum (100 per cent basis) expansion of Peak Downs that is associated with the Caval Ridge mine development.
The 5.5 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis) Caval Ridge mine remains on schedule to deliver first
production in the 2014 calendar year. Following a review of the Norwich Park mine’s profitability, BHP Billiton also
announced the indefinite closure of this operation during the June 2012 quarter and is currently reviewing the
viability of its other high-cost operations.
16
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Despite these actions, the capacity of our Queensland Coal business is expected to rise substantially by the end
of the 2014 calendar year as all other projects remain on schedule and budget. BHP Billiton announced approval
of the US$845 million Appin Area 9 project (Australia) in the period. This underground development is expected to
sustain Illawarra Coal’s production capacity at nine million tonnes per annum with first production anticipated in
the 2016 calendar year.
Energy Coal
Annual production records were achieved at two of BHP Billiton’s export oriented operations, Cerrejon Coal
(Colombia) and New South Wales Energy Coal. The RX1 Project at New South Wales Energy Coal delivered first
production during the June 2012 quarter, significantly ahead of schedule. This project capitalises on strong
demand for high ash coal in our key growth markets.
Underlying EBIT for the 2012 financial year increased by US$98 million to US$1.2 billion. Stronger volumes and a
higher proportion of export sales, largely associated with improved rail performance at BECSA (South Africa) and
the accelerated expansion of New South Wales Energy Coal, increased Underlying EBIT by US$152 million in the
period. Higher average realised prices, most notably at Cerrejon Coal, contributed to a US$95 million increase in
Underlying EBIT, net of price-linked costs. In contrast, higher labour and raw material costs contributed to a
US$190 million reduction in Underlying EBIT.
During the 2012 financial year, BHP Billiton approved a further eight million tonnes per annum (100 per cent
basis) expansion of the Cerrejon Coal mine. The US$437 million project (BHP Billiton share) will increase export
capacity to approximately 40 million tonnes per annum (100 per cent basis), with first production anticipated on
schedule in the 2013 calendar year. In addition, the partners approved the third phase of expansion of the
Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group’s (NCIG) coal handling facility in Newcastle (Australia).
Group and Unallocated items
The Underlying EBIT expense for Group and Unallocated in the 2012 financial year decreased by US$157 million
to US$248 million. Higher corporate and information technology costs were more than offset by a foreign
exchange related restatement and partial release of the Newcastle steelworks rehabilitation provision.
The following notes explain the terms used throughout this profit release:
(1) Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs, taxation and any exceptional items. Underlying EBITDA is Underlying EBIT before
depreciation, impairments and amortisation of US$6,508 million for the year ended 30 June 2012 and US$5,113 million for the year
ended 30 June 2011. We believe that Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA provide useful information, but should not be considered
as an indication of, or alternative to, Attributable profit as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as a
measure of liquidity.
(2) Underlying EBIT is used to reflect the underlying performance of BHP Billiton’s operations. Underlying EBIT is reconciled to Profit from
operations on page 8.
(3) Non-IFRS measures are defined as follows:
• Attributable profit excluding exceptional items – comprises Profit after taxation attributable to members of BHP Billiton Group less
exceptional items as described in note 2 to the financial report.
• Underlying EBITDA interest coverage – for the purpose of deriving interest coverage, net interest comprises Interest on bank loans
and overdrafts, Interest on all other borrowings, Finance lease and hire purchase interest less Interest income.
• Underlying effective tax rate – comprises Total taxation expense excluding Royalty-related taxation, exceptional items and
Exchange rate movements included in taxation expense divided by Profit before taxation and exceptional items.
• Underlying EBIT margin – comprises Underlying EBIT excluding third party EBIT, divided by revenue excluding third party product
revenue.
• Underlying return on capital – represents net profit after tax, excluding exceptional items and net finance costs (after tax), divided by
average capital employed. Capital employed is net assets less net debt.
(4) Net operating cash flows are after net interest and taxation.
17
News Release
Forward looking statements
This release contains forward looking statements, including statements regarding: trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates;
demand for commodities; plans, strategies and objectives of management; closure or divestment of certain operations or facilities (including
associated costs); anticipated production or construction commencement dates; capital costs and scheduling; operating costs and shortages
of materials and skilled employees; anticipated productive lives of projects, mines and facilities; provisions and contingent liabilities; tax and
regulatory developments.
Forward looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as ‘intend’, ‘aim’, ‘project’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘plan’, ‘believe’,
‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘will’, ‘continue’ or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations concerning the results of operations or
financial condition, or provide other forward looking statements.
These forward looking statements are not guarantees or predictions of future performance, and involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in the statements contained in this release. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward looking statements.
For example, our future revenues from our operations, projects or mines described in this release will be based, in part, upon the market price
of the minerals, metals or petroleum produced, which may vary significantly from current levels. These variations, if materially adverse, may
affect the timing or the feasibility of the development of a particular project, the expansion of certain facilities or mines, or the continuation of
existing operations.
Other factors that may affect the actual construction or production commencement dates, costs or production output and anticipated lives of
operations, mines or facilities include our ability to profitably produce and transport the minerals, petroleum and/or metals extracted to
applicable markets; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on the market prices of the minerals, petroleum or metals we produce;
activities of government authorities in some of the countries where we are exploring or developing these projects, facilities or mines, including
increases in taxes, changes in environmental and other regulations and political uncertainty; labour unrest; and other factors identified in the
risk factors discussed in BHP Billiton’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (including in Annual Reports on
Form 20-F) which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Except as required by applicable regulations or by law, the Group does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward
looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events.
Non-IFRS financial information
BHP Billiton results are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA
which are used to measure segment performance. This release also includes certain non-IFRS measures including Attributable profit
excluding exceptional items, Underlying EBITDA interest coverage, Underlying effective tax rate, Underlying EBIT margin and Underlying
return on capital. These measures are used internally by management to assess the performance of our business, make decisions on the
allocation of our resources and assess operational management. Non-IFRS measures have not been subject to audit or review.
No offer of securities
Nothing in this release should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell BHP Billiton securities in any
jurisdiction.
Reliance on third party information
The views expressed in this release contain information that has been derived from publicly available sources that have not been
independently verified. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information. This release
should not be relied upon as a recommendation or forecast by BHP Billiton.
18
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our website: www.bhpbilliton.com
Sponsor: Absa Capital (the investment banking division of Absa Bank Limited, affiliated with Barclays).
Media Relations Investor Relations
Australia Australia
Antonios Papaspiropoulos James Agar
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Kelly Quirke Andrew Gunn
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email: Kelly.Quirke@bhpbilliton.com email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com
Fiona Martin United Kingdom and South Africa
Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908
email: Fiona.Martin2@bhpbilliton.com Tara Dines
Tel: +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile: +44 7825 342 232
United Kingdom Email: Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah Americas
Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com Brendan Harris
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726
Deirdra McCracken email: Brendan.Harris@bhpbilliton.com
Tel: +44 20 7802 7462 Mobile: +44 7827 253 764
Email: Deirdra.S.McCracken@bhpbilliton.com Matt Chism
Tel: +1 713 599 6158 Mobile: +1 281 782 2238
Americas email: Matt.E.Chism@bhpbilliton.com
Jaryl Strong
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email: Jaryl.Strong@bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street Registered Office: Neathouse Place
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111
Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia
19
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20
BHP Billiton Group
Financial Information
2012
For the year ended 30 June 2011
Financial Information
Contents
Financial Information Page
Consolidated Income Statement .......................................................................................................................... 23
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ......................................................................................... 24
Consolidated Balance Sheet ................................................................................................................................ 25
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement .................................................................................................................... 26
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity................................................................................................... 27
Notes to the Financial Information ...................................................................................................................... 30
The financial information included in this document for the year ended 30 June 2012 is unaudited and has been derived
from the draft financial report of the BHP Billiton Group for the year ended 30 June 2012. The financial information does
not constitute the Group’s full financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2012, which will be approved by the
Board, reported on by the auditors, and subsequently filed with the UK Registrar of Companies and the Australian
Securities and Investments Commission.
The financial information set out on pages 21 to 43 for the year ended 30 June 2012 has been prepared on the basis of
accounting policies consistent with those applied in the 30 June 2011 financial statements contained within the Annual
Report of the BHP Billiton Group, except for a change to the basis on which borrowings are classified as current or non-
current. Borrowings otherwise due for repayment within 12 months of balance date are now classified as non-current
only if the committed refinancing facility is with the same lender and on the same or similar terms. Under the previous
policy, it was not necessary for such facilities to be with the same party for the borrowings to be classified as non-
current. This change in policy was adopted in light of amendments to IAS1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’
recommended by the IASB, modifying criteria for the classification of such borrowings as current. Borrowings of
US$995 million drawn under the Group’s commercial paper program have therefore been classified as current with no
impact on comparative amounts as the program was undrawn in all prior periods presented in the financial statements.
The comparative figures for the financial years ended 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2010 are not the statutory accounts of
the BHP Billiton Group for those financial years. Those accounts have been reported on by the company’s auditors and
delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The reports of the auditors were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference
to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did not
contain a statement under Section 498(2) or (3) of the UK Companies Act 2006.
All amounts are expressed in US dollars unless otherwise stated. The BHP Billiton Group’s presentation currency and
the functional currency of the majority of its operations is US dollars as this is the principal currency of the economic
environment in which it operates.
Where applicable, comparative figures have been adjusted to disclose them on the same basis as the current period
figures. Amounts in this financial information have, unless otherwise indicated, been rounded to the nearest million
dollars.
22
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 30 June 2012
Notes Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Revenue
Group production 68,747 67,903 48,193
Third party products 3,479 3,836 4,605
Revenue 1 72,226 71,739 52,798
Other income 906 531 528
Expenses excluding net finance costs (49,380) (40,454) (33,295)
Profit from operations 23,752 31,816 20,031
Comprising:
Group production 23,626 31,718 19,920
Third party products 126 98 111
23,752 31,816 20,031
Financial income 4 225 245 215
Financial expenses 4 (955) (806) (674)
Net finance costs 4 (730) (561) (459)
Profit before taxation 23,022 31,255 19,572
Income tax expense (7,238) (6,481) (6,112)
Royalty-related taxation (net of income tax benefit) (252) (828) (451)
Total taxation expense 5 (7,490) (7,309) (6,563)
Profit after taxation 15,532 23,946 13,009
Attributable to non-controlling interests 115 298 287
Attributable to members of BHP Billiton Group 15,417 23,648 12,722
Earnings per ordinary share (basic) (US cents) 6 289.6 429.1 228.6
Earnings per ordinary share (diluted) (US cents) 6 288.4 426.9 227.8
Dividends per ordinary share – paid during the period
(US cents) 7 110.0 91.0 83.0
Dividends per ordinary share – declared in respect of
the period (US cents) 7 112.0 101.0 87.0
The accompanying notes form part of this financial information.
23
Financial Information
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 30 June 2012
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Profit after taxation 15,532 23,946 13,009
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial losses on pension and medical schemes (250) (113) (38)
Available for sale investments:
Net valuation (losses)/gains taken to equity (32) (70) 167
Net valuation (gains)/losses transferred to the income
statement (2) (47) 2
Cash flow hedges:
Losses taken to equity (320) - (15)
Realised losses transferred to the income statement - - 2
Unrealised losses transferred to the income statement 205 - -
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations taken
to equity 19 19 1
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations
transferred to the income statement - - (10)
Tax recognised within other comprehensive income 89 120 111
Total other comprehensive income for the year (291) (91) 220
Total comprehensive income 15,241 23,855 13,229
Attributable to non-controlling interests 117 284 294
Attributable to members of BHP Billiton Group 15,124 23,571 12,935
The accompanying notes form part of this financial information.
24
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheet
as at 30 June 2012
Notes 30 June 30 June
2012 2011
US$M US$M
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 4,781 10,084
Trade and other receivables 7,704 8,197
Other financial assets 282 264
Inventories 6,233 6,154
Assets classified as held for sale 3 848 -
Current tax assets 137 273
Other 466 308
Total current assets 20,451 25,280
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables 1,475 2,093
Other financial assets 1,881 1,602
Inventories 424 363
Property, plant and equipment 95,247 67,945
Intangible assets 5,112 1,456
Deferred tax assets 4,525 3,993
Other 158 188
Total non-current assets 108,822 77,640
Total assets 129,273 102,920
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 12,024 9,723
Interest bearing liabilities 3,531 3,519
Liabilities classified as held for sale 3 433 -
Other financial liabilities 200 288
Current tax payable 2,811 3,693
Provisions 2,784 2,256
Deferred income 251 259
Total current liabilities 22,034 19,738
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 509 555
Interest bearing liabilities 24,799 12,388
Other financial liabilities 317 79
Deferred tax liabilities 5,287 2,683
Provisions 8,914 9,293
Deferred income 328 429
Total non-current liabilities 40,154 25,427
Total liabilities 62,188 45,165
Net assets 67,085 57,755
EQUITY
Share capital – BHP Billiton Limited 1,186 1,183
Share capital – BHP Billiton Plc 1,069 1,070
Treasury shares (533) (623)
Reserves 1,912 2,001
Retained earnings 62,236 53,131
Total equity attributable to members of BHP Billiton Group 65,870 56,762
Non-controlling interests 1,215 993
Total equity 67,085 57,755
The accompanying notes form part of this financial information.
25
Financial Information
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 30 June 2012
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Operating activities
Profit before taxation 23,022 31,255 19,572
Adjustments for:
Non-cash exceptional items 3,417 (150) (255)
Depreciation and amortisation expense 6,408 5,039 4,759
Net gain on sale of non-current assets (116) (41) (114)
Impairments of property, plant and equipment, financial assets and intangibles 100 74 35
Employee share awards expense 270 266 170
Financial income and expenses 730 561 459
Other (481) (384) (265)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade and other receivables 1,464 (1,960) (1,713)
Inventories (208) (792) (571)
Trade and other payables (288) 2,780 565
Net other financial assets and liabilities (18) 46 (90)
Provisions and other liabilities (1,026) 387 (306)
Cash generated from operations 33,274 37,081 22,246
Dividends received 25 12 20
Interest received 127 107 99
Interest paid (715) (562) (520)
Income tax refunded 530 74 552
Income tax paid (7,842) (6,025) (4,931)
Royalty-related taxation paid (1,015) (607) (576)
Net operating cash flows 24,384 30,080 16,890
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (18,385) (11,147) (9,323)
Exploration expenditure (2,452) (1,240) (1,333)
Exploration expenditure expensed and included in operating cash flows 1,602 981 1,030
Purchase of intangibles (220) (211) (85)
Investment in financial assets (341) (238) (152)
Investment in subsidiaries, operations and jointly controlled entities, net of their cash (12,556) (4,807) (508)
Payment on sale of operations - - (156)
Cash outflows from investing activities (32,352) (16,662) (10,527)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 159 80 132
Proceeds from financial assets 151 118 34
Proceeds from sale or partial sale of subsidiaries, operations and jointly controlled
entities, net of their cash 6 - 376
Net investing cash flows (32,036) (16,464) (9,985)
Financing activities
Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities 13,287 1,374 567
(Settlements)/proceeds from debt related instruments (180) 222 103
Repayment of interest bearing liabilities (4,280) (2,173) (1,155)
Proceeds from ordinary shares 21 32 12
Contributions from non-controlling interests 101 - 335
Purchase of shares by Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) trusts (424) (469) (274)
Share buy-back – BHP Billiton Limited - (6,265) –
Share buy-back – BHP Billiton Plc (83) (3,595) –
Dividends paid (5,877) (5,054) (4,618)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (56) (90) (277)
Net financing cash flows 2,509 (16,018) (5,307)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (5,143) (2,402) 1,598
Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the beginning of the financial year 10,080 12,455 10,831
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (56) 27 26
Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, at the end of the financial year 4,881 10,080 12,455
The accompanying notes form part of this financial information.
26
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 June 2012
For the year ended 30 June 2012 Attributable to members of the BHP Billiton Group
US$M Share Share Treasury Reserves Retained Total equity Non- Total equity
capital capital shares earnings attributable controlling
– BHP – BHP to members interests
Billiton Billiton Plc of BHP
Limited Billiton
Group
Balance as at 1 July 2011 1,183 1,070 (623) 2,001 53,131 56,762 993 57,755
Profit after taxation - - - - 15,417 15,417 115 15,532
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial (losses)/gains on pension and medical schemes - - - - (253) (253) 3 (250)
Net valuation losses on available for sale investments taken to equity - - - (32) - (32) - (32)
Net valuation gains on available for sale investments transferred to the
income statement - - - (2) - (2) - (2)
Losses on cash flow hedges taken to equity - - - (320) - (320) - (320)
Unrealised losses on cash flow hedges transferred to the income statement - - - 205 - 205 - 205
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations taken to equity - - - 19 - 19 - 19
Tax recognised within other comprehensive income - - - (33) 123 90 (1) 89
Total comprehensive income - - - (163) 15,287 15,124 117 15,241
Transactions with owners:
Proceeds from the issue of shares 3 - - - - 3 - 3
BHP Billiton Plc shares cancelled - (1) 83 1 (83) - - -
Purchase of shares by ESOP trusts - - (424) - - (424) - (424)
Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions - - 431 (189) (213) 29 - 29
Employee share awards forfeited - - - (8) 8 - - -
Accrued employee entitlement for unvested awards - - - 270 - 270 - 270
Dividends - - - - (5,894) (5,894) (56) (5,950)
Equity contributed - - - - - - 161 161
Balance as at 30 June 2012 1,186 1,069 (533) 1,912 62,236 65,870 1,215 67,085
The accompanying notes form part of this financial information.
27
Financial Information
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 June 2012 (continued)
For the year ended 30 June 2011 Attributable to members of the BHP Billiton Group
US$M Share Share Treasury Reserves Retained Total equity Non- Total equity
capital capital shares earnings attributable controlling
– BHP – BHP to members interests
Billiton Billiton Plc of BHP
Limited Billiton
Group
Balance as at 1 July 2010 1,227 1,116 (525) 1,906 44,801 48,525 804 49,329
Profit after taxation - - - - 23,648 23,648 298 23,946
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial losses on pension and medical schemes - - - - (105) (105) (8) (113)
Net valuation (losses)/gains on available for sale investments taken to equity - - - (71) - (71) 1 (70)
Net valuation gains on available for sale investments transferred to the income
statement - - - (38) - (38) (9) (47)
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations taken to equity - - - 19 - 19 - 19
Tax recognised within other comprehensive income - - - 24 94 118 2 120
Total comprehensive income - - - (66) 23,637 23,571 284 23,855
Transactions with owners:
BHP Billiton Limited shares bought back and cancelled (44) - - - (6,301) (6,345) - (6,345)
BHP Billiton Plc shares bought back - - (3,678) - - (3,678) - (3,678)
BHP Billiton Plc shares cancelled - (46) 3,595 46 (3,595) - - -
Purchase of shares by ESOP trusts - - (469) - - (469) - (469)
Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions - - 454 (121) (294) 39 - 39
Employee share awards forfeited - - - (9) 9 - - -
Accrued employee entitlement for unvested awards - - - 266 - 266 - 266
Distribution to option holders - - - (21) - (21) (17) (38)
Dividends - - - - (5,126) (5,126) (90) (5,216)
Equity contributed - - - - - - 12 12
Balance as at 30 June 2011 1,183 1,070 (623) 2,001 53,131 56,762 993 57,755
28
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 June 2012 (continued)
For the year ended 30 June 2010 Attributable to members of the BHP Billiton Group
US$M Share Share Treasury Reserves Retained Total equity Non- Total equity
capital capital shares earnings attributable controlling
– BHP – BHP to members interests
Billiton Billiton Plc of BHP
Limited Billiton
Group
Balance as at 1 July 2009 1,227 1,116 (525) 1,305 36,831 39,954 757 40,711
Profit after taxation – – – – 12,722 12,722 287 13,009
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial losses on pension and medical schemes – – – – (38) (38) – (38)
Net valuation gains on available for sale investments taken to equity – – – 160 – 160 7 167
Net valuation losses on available for sale investments transferred to the
income statement – – – 2 – 2 – 2
Losses on cash flow hedges taken to equity – – – (15) – (15) – (15)
Realised losses on cash flow hedges transferred to the income statement – – – 2 – 2 – 2
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations taken to equity – – – 1 – 1 – 1
Exchange fluctuations on translation of foreign operations transferred to the
income statement – – – (10) – (10) – (10)
Tax recognised within other comprehensive income – – – 57 54 111 – 111
Total comprehensive income – – – 197 12,738 12,935 294 13,229
Transactions with owners:
Purchase of shares by ESOP trusts – – (274) – – (274) – (274)
Employee share awards exercised net of employee contributions – – 274 (88) (178) 8 – 8
Employee share awards forfeited – – – (28) 28 – – –
Accrued employee entitlement for unvested awards – – – 170 – 170 – 170
Issue of share options to non-controlling interests – – – 43 – 43 16 59
Distribution to option holders – – – (10) – (10) (6) (16)
Dividends – – – – (4,618) (4,618) (277) (4,895)
Equity contributed – – – 317 – 317 20 337
Balance as at 30 June 2010 1,227 1,116 (525) 1,906 44,801 48,525 804 49,329
29
Financial Information
Notes to the Financial Information
1. Segment reporting
The Group has nine reportable segments aligned with the commodities which we extract and market, reflecting
the structure used by the Group’s management to assess the performance of the Group:
Reportable segment Principal activities
Petroleum Exploration, development and production of oil and gas
Aluminium Mining of bauxite, refining of bauxite into alumina and smelting of alumina
into aluminium metal
Base Metals Mining of copper, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, uranium and gold
Diamonds and Specialty Products Mining of diamonds and titanium minerals; potash development
Stainless Steel Materials Mining and production of nickel products
Iron Ore Mining of iron ore
Manganese Mining of manganese ore and production of manganese metal and alloys
Metallurgical Coal Mining of metallurgical coal
Energy Coal Mining of thermal (energy) coal
Group and unallocated items represent Group centre functions. Exploration and technology activities are
recognised within relevant segments.
It is the Group’s policy that inter-segment sales are made on a commercial basis.
30
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
1. Segment reporting (continued)
US$M Petroleum Aluminium Base Diamonds Stainless Iron Ore Manganese Metallurgical Energy Group and BHP
(c) Metals and Steel Coal Coal unallocated Billiton
Specialty Materials items/ Group
Products eliminations
Year ended 30 June 2012
Revenue
Group production 12,616 3,279 11,162 1,326 2,919 22,156 2,136 7,569 5,155 – 68,318
Third party products 230 1,487 434 – 60 86 16 – 856 310 3,479
Rendering of services 91 – – – – 320 – 7 11 – 429
Inter-segment revenue – – – – 14 39 – – – (53) –
(a)
Total revenue 12,937 4,766 11,596 1,326 2,993 22,601 2,152 7,576 6,022 257 72,226
(b)
Underlying EBITDA 9,415 25 4,687 353 425 15,027 359 1,991 1,601 (137) 33,746
Depreciation and amortisation (2,916) (316) (793) (154) (393) (826) (102) (423) (374) (111) (6,408)
Impairment (losses)/reversals (151) – 71 – – – (22) 2 – – (100)
(b)
Underlying EBIT 6,348 (291) 3,965 199 32 14,201 235 1,570 1,227 (248) 27,238
Comprising:
Group production 6,345 (292) 3,982 199 18 14,170 231 1,570 1,137 (248) 27,112
Third party products 3 1 (17) – 14 31 4 – 90 – 126
(b)
Underlying EBIT 6,348 (291) 3,965 199 32 14,201 235 1,570 1,227 (248) 27,238
Net finance costs (730)
Exceptional items (3,486)
Profit before taxation 23,022
Capital expenditure 5,830 852 2,650 598 513 5,634 418 2,808 893 27 20,223
(c)
Total assets 38,461 9,931 17,638 3,468 4,513 22,726 2,556 9,406 7,067 13,507 129,273
Total liabilities 5,763 1,371 3,627 1,033 1,391 4,024 1,100 2,561 2,636 38,682 62,188
(a) Revenue not attributable to reportable segments comprises sales of freight and fuel to third parties.
(b) Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs, taxation and any exceptional items. Underlying EBITDA is Underlying EBIT, before depreciation, amortisation and impairments.
(c) Total assets in Petroleum increased from US$18.7 billion at 30 June 2011 to US$38.5 billion at 30 June 2012, predominantly arising from the acquisition of Petrohawk Energy Corporation – refer to note 10.
31
Financial Information
1. Segment reporting (continued)
US$M Petroleum Aluminium Base Diamonds Stainless Iron Ore Manganese Metallurgical Energy Group and BHP
Metals and Steel Coal Coal unallocated Billiton
Specialty Materials items/ Group
Products eliminations
Year ended 30 June 2011
Revenue
Group production 10,603 3,601 13,550 1,517 3,698 20,182 2,423 7,565 4,651 – 67,790
Third party products 127 1,620 602 – 158 93 – – 851 385 3,836
Rendering of services 2 – – – – 98 – 8 5 – 113
Inter-segment revenue 5 – – – 5 39 – – – (49) –
(a)
Total revenue 10,737 5,221 14,152 1,517 3,861 20,412 2,423 7,573 5,507 336 71,739
(b)
Underlying EBITDA 8,319 596 7,525 779 990 13,946 780 3,027 1,469 (338) 37,093
Depreciation and amortisation (1,913) (330) (735) (192) (404) (618) (83) (357) (340) (67) (5,039)
Impairment (losses)/reversals (76) – – – 2 – – – – – (74)
(b)
Underlying EBIT 6,330 266 6,790 587 588 13,328 697 2,670 1,129 (405) 31,980
Comprising:
Group production 6,325 275 6,796 587 583 13,296 697 2,670 1,058 (405) 31,882
Third party products 5 (9) (6) – 5 32 – – 71 – 98
(b)
Underlying EBIT 6,330 266 6,790 587 588 13,328 697 2,670 1,129 (405) 31,980
Net finance costs (561)
Exceptional items (164)
Profit before taxation 31,255
Capital expenditure 1,984 1,329 1,404 319 651 3,627 276 1,172 754 94 11,610
Total assets 18,674 9,602 15,973 2,833 4,912 17,585 2,439 6,731 6,176 17,995 102,920
Total liabilities 4,529 1,606 3,118 664 1,579 3,652 1,049 2,088 2,386 24,494 45,165
32
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
1. Segment reporting (continued)
US$M Petroleum Aluminium Base Diamonds Stainless Iron Ore Manganese Metallurgical Energy Group and BHP
Metals and Steel Coal Coal unallocated Billiton
Specialty Materials items/ Group
Products eliminations
Year ended 30 June 2010
Revenue
Group production 8,682 2,948 9,528 1,272 3,311 10,964 2,143 6,019 3,214 – 48,081
Third party products 86 1,405 881 – 306 67 7 – 1,051 802 4,605
Rendering of services 3 – – – – 69 – 40 – – 112
Inter-segment revenue 11 – – – – 39 – – – (50) –
(a)
Total revenue 8,782 4,353 10,409 1,272 3,617 11,139 2,150 6,059 4,265 752 52,798
(b)
Underlying EBITDA 6,571 684 5,393 648 1,085 6,496 784 2,363 971 (482) 24,513
Depreciation and amortisation (1,998) (278) (729) (163) (427) (495) (72) (309) (228) (60) (4,759)
Impairment (losses)/reversals – – (32) – 10 – – (1) (13) 1 (35)
(b)
Underlying EBIT 4,573 406 4,632 485 668 6,001 712 2,053 730 (541) 19,719
Comprising:
Group production 4,570 393 4,639 485 646 6,003 717 2,053 642 (540) 19,608
Third party products 3 13 (7) – 22 (2) (5) – 88 (1) 111
(b)
Underlying EBIT 4,573 406 4,632 485 668 6,001 712 2,053 730 (541) 19,719
Net finance costs (459)
Exceptional items 312
Profit before taxation 19,572
Capital expenditure 1,951 1,019 763 127 265 3,838 182 653 881 87 9,766
Total assets 12,733 8,078 14,970 2,588 4,507 13,592 2,082 5,597 5,425 19,280 88,852
Total liabilities 3,175 1,318 2,621 527 1,154 2,526 794 1,475 1,965 23,968 39,523
33
Financial Information
2. Exceptional items
Year ended 30 June 2012 Gross Tax Net
US$M US$M US$M
Exceptional items by category
Impairment of Fayetteville goodwill and other assets (2,835) 996 (1,839)
Impairment of Nickel West goodwill and other assets (449) 94 (355)
Suspension or early closure of operations and the
(a)
change in status of specific projects (502) 108 (394)
(a)
Settlement of insurance claims 300 (90) 210
Recognition of deferred tax assets on enactment of
MRRT and PRRT extension legislation in Australia – 637 637
(3,486) 1,745 (1,741)
(a) Includes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests of US$(34) million (US$7 million tax expense).
Impairment of Fayetteville goodwill and other assets:
As a result of the fall in United States domestic gas prices and the company’s decision to adjust its development
plans, the Group has recognised impairments of goodwill and other assets in relation to its Fayetteville shale gas
assets. A total impairment charge of US$2,835 million (US$996 million tax benefit) was recognised in the year
ended 30 June 2012.
Impairment of Nickel West goodwill and other assets:
The Group has recognised impairments of goodwill and other assets at Nickel West as a result of the continued
downturn in the nickel price and margin deterioration. A total impairment charge of US$449 million (US$94 million
tax benefit) was recognised in the year ended 30 June 2012.
Suspension or early closure of operations and the change in status of specific projects:
As part of our regular portfolio review, various operations and projects around the Group have either been
suspended, closed early or changed in status. These include: the change in status of the Olympic Dam expansion
project; the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO and the permanent closure of the Metalloys South
Plant in South Africa; the indefinite cessation of production at Norwich Park; and the suspension of other minor
capital projects. As a result, impairment charges of US$422 million (US$84 million tax benefit), idle capacity costs
and inventory write-down of US$40 million (US$12 million tax benefit) and other restructuring costs of US$40
million (US$12 million tax benefit) were recognised in the year ended 30 June 2012.
Settlement of insurance claims:
During 2008, extreme weather across the central Queensland coalfields affected production from the BHP Billiton
Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) operations. The Group settled insurance claims in
respect of the lost production and insurance claim income of US$300 million (US$90 million tax expense) was
recognised in the year ended 30 June 2012.
Recognition of deferred tax assets on enactment of MRRT and PRRT extension legislation in Australia:
The Australian MRRT and PRRT extension legislation were enacted in March 2012. Under the legislation, the
Group is entitled to a deduction against future MRRT and PRRT liabilities based on the market value of its coal,
iron ore and petroleum assets. A deferred tax asset, and an associated net income tax benefit of US$637 million,
was recognised in the year ended 30 June 2012 to reflect the future deductibility of these market values for MRRT
and PRRT purposes, to the extent they are considered recoverable.
34
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
2. Exceptional items (continued)
Year ended 30 June 2011 Gross Tax Net
US$M US$M US$M
Exceptional items by category
Withdrawn offer for PotashCorp (314) – (314)
Newcastle steelworks rehabilitation 150 (45) 105
Release of income tax provisions – 718 718
Reversal of deferred tax liabilities – 1,455 1,455
(164) 2,128 1,964
Withdrawn offer for PotashCorp:
The Group withdrew its offer for PotashCorp on 15 November 2010 following the Board’s conclusion that the
condition of the offer relating to receipt of a net benefit as determined by the Minister of Industry under the
Investment Canada Act could not be satisfied. The Group incurred fees associated with the US$45 billion debt
facility (US$240 million), investment bankers’, lawyers’ and accountants’ fees, printing expenses and other
charges (US$74 million) in progressing this matter during the period up to the withdrawal of the offer, which were
expensed as operating costs in the year ended 30 June 2011.
Newcastle steelworks rehabilitation:
The Group recognised a decrease of US$150 million (US$45 million tax charge) to rehabilitation obligations in
respect of former operations at the Newcastle steelworks (Australia) following a full review of the progress of the
Hunter River Remediation Project and estimated costs to completion.
Release of income tax provisions:
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued amended assessments in prior years denying bad debt deductions
arising from the investments in Beenup and Boodarie Iron (both Australia) and the denial of capital allowance
claims made on the Boodarie Iron project. The Group challenged the assessments and was successful on all
counts before the Full Federal Court. The ATO obtained special leave in September 2010 to appeal to the High
Court in respect of the denial of capital allowance claims made on the Boodarie Iron project. The Group’s position
in respect of the capital allowance claims on the Boodarie Iron project was confirmed by the High Court in June
2011. As a result of these appeals, US$138 million was released from the Group’s income tax provision in
September 2010 and US$580 million in June 2011.
Reversal of deferred tax liabilities:
Consistent with the functional currency of the Group’s operations, eligible Australian entities elected to adopt a US
dollar tax functional currency from 1 July 2011. As a result, the deferred tax liability (DTL) relating to certain US
dollar denominated financial arrangements has been derecognised, resulting in a credit to income tax expense of
US$1,455 million.
35
Financial Information
2. Exceptional items (continued)
Year ended 30 June 2010 Gross Tax Net
US$M US$M US$M
Exceptional items by category
Pinal Creek rehabilitation 186 (53) 133
Disposal of Ravensthorpe nickel operations 653 (196) 457
Restructuring of operations and deferral of projects (298) 12 (286)
Renegotiation of power supply agreements (229) 50 (179)
Release of income tax provisions – 128 128
312 (59) 253
Pinal Creek rehabilitation:
On 22 February 2010 a settlement was reached in relation to the Pinal Creek (US) groundwater contamination
which resulted in other parties taking on full responsibility for ground water remediation and partly funding the
Group for past and future rehabilitation costs. As a result, a gain of US$186 million (US$53 million tax expense)
was recognised reflecting the release of rehabilitation provisions and cash received.
Disposal of Ravensthorpe nickel operations:
On 9 December 2009, the Group announced it had signed an agreement to sell the Ravensthorpe nickel
operations (Australia). The sale was completed on 10 February 2010. As a result of the sale, impairment charges
recognised as exceptional items in the financial year ended 30 June 2009 were partially reversed totalling
US$611 million (US$183 million tax expense). In addition, certain obligations that remained with the Group were
mitigated and related provisions released; together with minor net operating costs this resulted in a gain of
US$42 million (US$13 million tax expense).
Restructuring of operations and deferral of projects:
Continuing power supply constraints impacting the Group’s three Aluminium smelter operations in southern Africa,
and temporary delays with the Guinea Alumina project, gave rise to charges for the impairment of property, plant
and equipment and restructuring provisions. A total charge of US$298 million (US$12 million tax benefit) was
recognised by the Group in the year ended 30 June 2010.
Renegotiation of power supply arrangements:
Renegotiation of long term power supply arrangements in southern Africa impacted the value of embedded
derivatives contained within those arrangements. A total charge of US$229 million (US$50 million tax benefit) was
recognised by the Group in the year ended 30 June 2010.
Release of income tax provisions:
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued amended assessments in prior years denying bad debt deductions
arising from the investments in Hartley, Beenup and Boodarie Iron and the denial of capital allowance claims
made on the Boodarie Iron project. BHP Billiton lodged objections and was successful on all counts in the Federal
Court and the Full Federal Court. The ATO has not sought to appeal the Boodarie Iron bad debt disallowance to
the High Court which resulted in a release of US$128 million from the Group’s income tax provisions. The ATO
sought special leave to appeal to the High Court in relation to the Beenup bad debt disallowance and the denial of
the capital allowance claims on the Boodarie Iron project and was granted special leave only in relation to the
denial of the capital allowance claims on the Boodarie Iron project.
36
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
3. Interests in jointly controlled entities
Major shareholdings in jointly Ownership interest at BHP Billiton Group
(a) Contribution to profit after taxation
controlled entities reporting date
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 30 June 30 June 30 June 30 June 30 June
2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010
% % % US$M US$M US$M
Mozal SARL 47.1 47.1 47.1 (5) 66 4
Compañia Minera Antamina SA 33.75 33.75 33.75 553 602 438
Minera Escondida Limitada 57.5 57.5 57.5 1,367 2,694 2,175
Samarco Mineração SA 50 50 50 909 906 430
Carbones del Cerrejon LLC 33.33 33.33 33.33 294 231 172
(b)
Other 145 (172) (145)
Total 3,263 4,327 3,074
(a) The ownership interest at the Group’s and the jointly controlled entity’s reporting date are the same. When the annual financial reporting
date is different to the Group’s, financial information is obtained as at 30 June in order to report on a basis consistent with the Group’s
reporting date.
(b) Includes the Group’s effective interest in the Richards Bay Minerals joint venture of 37.76 per cent (30 June 2011: 37.76 per cent; 30
June 2010: 37.76 per cent), the Guinea Alumina project (ownership interest 33.3 per cent; 30 June 2011: 33.3 per cent; 30 June 2010:
33.3 per cent), the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group Pty Ltd (ownership interest 35.5 per cent; 30 June 2011: 35.5 per cent; 30 June
2010: 35.5 per cent) and other immaterial jointly controlled entities.
Assets held for sale:
In February 2012 the Group announced it had exercised an option to sell its non-operated interest in Richards
Bay Minerals to Rio Tinto. The remaining assets and liabilities of the Richards Bay Minerals joint venture were
classified as current assets held for sale of US$848 million (predominantly comprising cash and cash equivalents
of US$120 million, trade and other receivables of US$196 million, inventories of US$128 million and property,
plant and equipment of US$369 million), and as current liabilities held for sale of US$433 million (predominantly
comprising trade and other payables of US$153 million, interest bearing liabilities of US$178 million and tax
liabilities of US$67 million) at 30 June 2012.
4. Net finance costs
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Financial expenses
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts 22 19 24
Interest on all other borrowings 696 471 460
Finance lease and hire purchase interest 37 12 14
Dividends on redeemable preference shares – – –
Discounting on provisions and other liabilities 481 411 359
Discounting on post-retirement employee benefits 129 128 130
(a)
Interest capitalised (314) (256) (301)
Fair value change on hedged loans 345 (140) 131
Fair value change on hedging derivatives (376) 110 (138)
Exchange variations on net debt (65) 51 (5)
955 806 674
Financial income
Interest income (122) (141) (117)
Expected return on pension scheme assets (103) (104) (98)
(225) (245) (215)
Net finance costs 730 561 459
(a) Interest has been capitalised at the rate of interest applicable to the specific borrowings financing the assets under construction or, where
financed through general borrowings, at a capitalisation rate representing the average interest rate on such borrowings. For the year
ended 30 June 2012 the capitalisation rate was 2.83 per cent (30 June 2011: 2.87 per cent; 30 June 2010: 3.5 per cent).
37
Financial Information
5. Taxation
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Taxation expense including royalty related
taxation
UK taxation expense (21) 21 178
Australian taxation expense 6,043 3,503 3,798
Overseas taxation expense 1,468 3,785 2,587
Total taxation expense 7,490 7,309 6,563
Total taxation expense including royalty-related taxation, exceptional items and exchange rate movements, was
US$7,490 million, representing an effective rate of 32.5 per cent (30 June 2011: 23.4 per cent; 30 June 2010:
33.5 per cent).
Exchange rate movements increased taxation expense by US$250 million (30 June 2011: decrease of US$1,473
million; 30 June 2010: increase of US$106 million). The reduced impact compared to the year ended 30 June
2011 is predominantly due to eligible Australian entities electing to adopt a US dollar tax functional currency from
1 July 2011.
Exceptional items decreased taxation expense by US$1,745 million (30 June 2011: decrease of US$2,128 million;
30 June 2010: increase of US$59 million) predominantly due to the recognition of tax benefits of US$1,193 million
arising from the impairment of goodwill and other assets in relation to the Fayetteville shale gas assets, the Nickel
West assets and the Olympic Dam Project assets; and the recognition of a net income tax benefit of US$637
million on enactment of the MRRT and PRRT extension legislation in Australia.
Government imposed royalty arrangements calculated by reference to profits after adjustment for temporary
differences are reported as royalty related taxation. Royalty-related taxation (excluding exceptional items)
contributed US$889 million to taxation expense representing an effective rate of 3.9 per cent (30 June
2011: US$828 million and 2.6 per cent; 30 June 2010: US$451 million and 2.3 per cent).
6. Earnings per share
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
Basic earnings per ordinary share (US cents) 289.6 429.1 228.6
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (US cents) 288.4 426.9 227.8
Basic earnings per American Depositary Share
(a)
(ADS) (US cents) 579.2 858.2 457.2
Diluted earnings per American Depositary Share
(a)
(ADS) (US cents) 576.8 853.8 455.6
Basic earnings (US$M) 15,417 23,648 12,722
Diluted earnings (US$M) 15,417 23,648 12,743
38
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
The weighted average number of shares used for the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share
reconciles to the number used to calculate basic earnings per share as follows:
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
Million Million Million
Weighted average number of shares
Basic earnings per ordinary share denominator 5,323 5,511 5,565
Shares and options contingently issuable under
employee share ownership plans 23 29 30
Diluted earnings per ordinary share denominator 5,346 5,540 5,595
(a) Each American Depositary Share represents two ordinary shares.
7. Dividends
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Dividends paid/payable during the period
BHP Billiton Limited 3,559 3,076 2,787
BHP Billiton Plc – Ordinary shares 2,335 2,003 1,831
(a)
– Preference shares – – –
5,894 5,079 4,618
Dividends declared in respect of the period
BHP Billiton Limited 3,621 3,331 2,921
BHP Billiton Plc – Ordinary shares 2,376 2,183 1,920
(a)
– Preference shares – – –
5,997 5,514 4,841
(a) 5.5 per cent dividend on 50,000 preference shares of £1 each declared and paid annually (30 June 2011: 5.5 percent; 30 June 2010: 5.5
percent).
Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011 30 June 2010
US cents US cents US cents
Dividends paid during the period (per share)
Prior year final dividend 55.0 45.0 41.0
Interim dividend 55.0 46.0 42.0
110.0 91.0 83.0
Dividends declared in respect of the period (per share)
Interim dividend 55.0 46.0 42.0
Final dividend 57.0 55.0 45.0
112.0 101.0 87.0
Dividends are declared after period end in the announcement of the results for the period. Interim dividends are
declared in February and paid in March. Final dividends are declared in August and paid in September.
Dividends declared are not recorded as a liability at the end of the period to which they relate. Subsequent to
year end, on 22 August 2012, BHP Billiton declared a final dividend of 57.0 US cents per share (US$3,049
million), which will be paid on 28 September (30 June 2011: 55.0 cents per share – US$2,943 million; 30 June
2010: 45.0 US cents per share – US$2,504 million).
39
Financial Information
BHP Billiton Limited dividends for all periods presented are, or will be, fully franked based on a tax rate of 30 per
cent.
2012 2011 2010
US$M US$M US$M
Franking credits as at 30 June 7,494 3,971 3,861
Franking credits arising from the payment of
current tax payable 2,547 3,218 818
(a)
Total franking credits available 10,041 7,189 4,679
(a) The payment of the final 2012 dividend declared after 30 June 2012 will reduce the franking account balance by US$785 million.
8. Share capital
On 15 November 2010, BHP Billiton announced the reactivation of the remaining US$4.2 billion component of its
previously suspended US$13 billion buy-back program and subsequently announced an expanded US$10 billion
capital management program on 16 February 2011. This expanded program was completed on 29 June 2011
through a combination of on-market and off-market buy-backs. As at 30 June 2011, there were 2,181,737 shares
(US$83 million) in BHP Billiton Plc bought back on-market which were cancelled during the year ended 30 June
2012.
9. Subsequent events
Other than the matters outlined elsewhere in this financial information, no matters or circumstances have arisen
since the end of the financial year that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations,
results of operations or state of affairs of the Group in subsequent accounting periods.
10. Business combinations
Major business combinations completed during the year ended 30 June 2012 were:
Petrohawk Energy Corporation
On 14 July 2011, the Group announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Petrohawk Energy
Corporation (Petrohawk) by means of an all-cash tender offer for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Petrohawk. The acquisition date of Petrohawk was 20 August 2011.
Petrohawk is an oil and natural gas company based in the United States. It owns a number of shale gas assets in
Texas and Louisiana and associated midstream pipeline systems. This acquisition provides the Group with
operated positions in the resource areas of the Eagle Ford shale, Haynesville shale and the Permian Basin.
Petrohawk was purchased for total consideration of US$12,005 million consisting of US$11,690 million for existing
shares and US$315 million for settlement of outstanding options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights
(collectively referred to as employee awards). The vesting of the employee awards was accelerated at the
acquisition date pursuant to a change of control clause in the original employee award plans. As a result, all of the
consideration for settlement of such awards was included in purchase consideration. The terms of the acquisition
agreement did not include any contingent consideration.
Acquisition related costs of US$46 million have been expensed and included in other operating expenses in the
Consolidated Income Statement.
40
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
10. Business combinations (continued)
Details of the business combination are as follows:
Provisional fair Adjustments to
value reported at provisional Final
31 December 2011 fair value fair value
US$M US$M US$M
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 10 – 10
(a)
Trade and other receivables 322 5 327
Other financial assets 240 – 240
Inventories 59 1 60
(b)
Property, plant and equipment 21,017 (5,667) 15,350
(c)
Intangibles – Goodwill – 3,591 3,591
Other assets 68 – 68
Total assets 21,716 (2,070) 19,646
LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 645 (4) 641
Interest bearing liabilities 3,800 – 3,800
Other financial liabilities 7 – 7
Current tax payable 62 (5) 57
(d)
Deferred tax liabilities 5,049 (2,061) 2,988
Provisions 88 – 88
Total liabilities 9,651 (2,070) 7,581
Net assets 12,065 – 12,065
less non-controlling interest share of net assets (60) – (60)
Net assets acquired 12,005 – 12,005
Gross consideration 12,005 – 12,005
Cash and cash equivalents acquired (10) – (10)
Net consideration paid 11,995 – 11,995
(a) The gross contractual amount for trade and other receivables was US$330 million of which US$3 million was not expected to be collected
at acquisition date.
(b) The fair values were provisional at 31 December 2011 due to the complexity of the valuation process, particularly in relation to the
valuation of the oil and gas properties and the accounting for the corresponding deferred tax liability. As a result, the provisional
accounting did not separate any goodwill from the value of property, plant and equipment. Subsequent to 31 December 2011,
management has obtained a final independent fair valuation of the oil and gas properties and adjusted the provisional value accordingly.
(c) Goodwill is calculated as a residual amount and the net impact of the above adjustments results in the recognition of goodwill of
US$3,591 million.
(d) The difference between the allocated fair values of the oil and gas properties acquired and the corresponding tax base gives rise to a
DTL. Reducing the valuation of the oil and gas properties gives rise to a corresponding reduction in the DTL.
The goodwill of US$3,591 million is attributable to the expected synergies to be realised through managing the
portfolio of both the acquired assets and the Group’s existing assets, and to the measurement of deferred income
taxes based on nominal amounts rather than fair value. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be
deductible for tax purposes.
The Group has entered into certain retention arrangements with the employees of Petrohawk. Pursuant to these
arrangements, the Group will make retention payments at different intervals, subject to mandatory service
requirements, and grant restricted share awards in BHP Billiton Limited with vesting dates ranging from 31
December 2012 to 22 August 2014. All retention benefits paid to employees will be accounted for as a post-
combination employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Income Statement, of which US$56 million has been
expensed since the acquisition date.
From the date of the acquisition to 30 June 2012, revenue of US$1,740 million and a loss after taxation of
US$136 million were included in the Consolidated Income Statement with regards to Petrohawk.
41
Financial Information
HWE Mining
On 30 September 2011, the Group finalised the purchase of the HWE mining services business (HWE Mining),
comprising three entities and other property, plant and equipment, which provide contract mining services to the
Group’s Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) joint ventures, from Leighton Holdings Limited (Leighton Holdings).
The acquisition was funded by the Group’s available cash and control was obtained through the purchase of all
the issued share capital of the acquired entities.
The acquisition relates to the mining equipment and related assets that service the Area C, Yandi and Orebody
23/25 operations and is consistent with the Group’s previously stated intention to move the WAIO business from
contract mining to owner-operator mining.
Acquisition related costs of US$17 million have been expensed and included in other operating expenses in the
Consolidated Income Statement.
Details of the business combination are as follows:
Provisional fair Adjustments to
value reported at provisional Final
31 December 2011 fair value fair value
US$M US$M US$M
ASSETS
(a)
Trade and other receivables 7 – 7
Inventories 44 – 44
Property, plant and equipment 380 – 380
Intangibles – Goodwill 171 16 187
Deferred tax assets 9 – 9
Total assets 611 16 627
LIABILITIES
Interest bearing liabilities 109 – 109
Deferred tax liabilities – 16 16
Provisions 31 – 31
Deferred income 22 – 22
Total liabilities 162 16 178
Net assets acquired 449 – 449
Consideration paid 449 – 449
(a) This represents the gross contractual amount for trade and other receivables all of which is expected to be collected.
The consideration paid was in excess of the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities and therefore
goodwill of US$187 million has been recognised in respect of the acquisition. The goodwill is attributable to the
skilled work force and the expected synergies to result from an in-house mining workforce, improved safety and
the management of costs. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Prior to the acquisition, the Group and HWE Mining were parties to a contract under which HWE Mining supplied
contract mining services to the Group. At the time of acquisition, the Group, as manager of the WAIO joint
ventures, agreed to settle outstanding claims which amounted to US$241 million. This resulted in US$120 million
being recognised in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement during the year ended 30
June 2012, with the remaining balance having been accrued for in prior periods. The settlement amount was
based on mutually agreed claims using commercial rates and extinguished any right for Leighton Holdings to
make retrospective claims for work performed prior to the acquisition date.
A payment of US$20 million was made to Leighton Holdings for transitional services to be provided post
acquisition. This payment was treated as a prepayment, included within other current assets in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet and was amortised over its period of use.
42
BHP Billiton Financial Results for the year ended 30 June 2012
10. Business combinations (continued)
From the date of the acquisition to 30 June 2012, revenue of US$1,064 million, which includes US$870 million of
intercompany revenues, and a profit after taxation of US$101 million were included in the Consolidated Income
Statement with regards to HWE Mining.
Notional financial information
The revenue and profit after taxation of the combined Group for the year ended 30 June 2012 as though the
acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of 1 July 2011 are
US$72.6 billion and US$15.6 billion respectively.
Business combination during the year ended 30 June 2011
Fayetteville Shale gas
The financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2011 included disclosure of the provisional fair values of the
identifiable assets and liabilities of the Fayetteville Shale gas business acquired in March 2011. The fair values
were provisional at 30 June 2011 due to the complexity of the valuation process. The provisional fair values of the
assets and liabilities acquired approximated the consideration paid (US$4,819 million) and therefore no goodwill
or bargain purchase gain was recognised at 30 June 2011. Subsequent to 30 June 2011, management has made
the following adjustments to the business combination accounting:
Provisional fair Adjustments to
value reported at provisional Final
30 June 2011 fair value fair value
US$M US$M US$M
ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 38 – 38
Inventories 3 – 3
(a)
Property, plant and equipment 4,803 (523) 4,280
Intangibles – Goodwill – 552 552
Total assets 4,844 29 4,873
LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables 21 – 21
Provisions 4 24 28
Total liabilities 25 24 49
Net assets acquired 4,819 5 4,824
Consideration paid 4,819 5 4,824
(a) US$523 million adjustment to fair value of oil and gas properties is based on additional information relating to the condition of the
properties at acquisition date. In particular, information about the minimum level of development activity required to retain the acreage.
The adjustments to the provisional fair values, which have been recognised by restating the 2011 comparative
information, have resulted in recognition of goodwill of US$552 million. The goodwill of US$552 million was
attributable to the synergies expected to be derived from market access and an assembled workforce at the field
level. Goodwill recognised that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes is US$552 million. During the year
ended 30 June 2012 goodwill and property, plant and equipment recognised as part of the Fayetteville business
combination has been impaired – refer note 2 Exceptional Items.
43
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