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BHP Billiton Limited 2013 AGM Speeches
BHP Billiton Plc
Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504 BHP Billiton Limited BHP Billiton Plc
171 Collins Street Neathouse Place
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia London SW1V 1BH UK
GPO BOX 86 Tel +44 20 7802 4000
Company Secretariat Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia Fax + 44 20 7802 4111
Tel +61 1300 55 47 57 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 bhpbilliton.com
bhpbilliton.com
21 November 2013
To: Australian Securities Exchange cc: New York Stock Exchange
London Stock Exchange JSE Limited
FOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE MARKET
Please find attached addresses to shareholders to be delivered by the Chairman and the Chief
Executive Officer at BHP Billiton Limited’s Annual General Meeting today in Perth.
As part of the Dual Listed Company structure of the Group, the business to be conducted at the
Annual General Meetings will be determined by polls. The poll results will be released to the market
after the conclusion of BHP Billiton Limited’s Annual General Meeting.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com.
Jane McAloon
Group Company Secretary
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: 171 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Registered Office: Neathouse Place, London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom
The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
21 November 2013
Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Jac Nasser. May I draw your attention to
the disclaimer. To start today’s meeting – I would like to acknowledge the Whadjuk people of
the Nyoongar nation and pay respect to elders past and present, and extend that respect to
other Indigenous people joining us today. Richard Walley, a Nyoongar man and one of
Australia’s leading Aboriginal performers, musicians and writers, will offer the Welcome to
Country.
Welcome to the 2013 Annual General Meeting of BHP Billiton Limited here in Perth. I also
extend a welcome to those watching the meeting online. I hope you enjoyed the opening
video, which showed some of the important work our people are doing in the communities
where we operate.
In particular, I would like to recognise the contribution of the 26,000 employees and
contractors in Western Australia, who are part of our Iron Ore, Aluminium, Nickel and
Petroleum businesses. We have been in business in Western Australia for over 60 years,
and today we have more than 20 per cent of our global assets here. As a mark of our
continuing confidence, we invested over US$6 billion in Western Australia last year alone.
All of us at BHP Billiton are proud to play a role in the ongoing economic development and
prosperity of this great state. Importantly, we also have more than 78,000 shareholders
based in Western Australia. We thank you for your support.
Your Directors are also here, including your CEO Andrew Mackenzie. You can read about
their backgrounds in the Notice of Meeting. Let me give you a brief outline of the approach
we use to select Directors, which is described in detail in our Annual Report.
Your Company is a truly global organisation, with 128,000 people in 26 countries. We
operate in a sector that requires a long-term investment perspective. As a result, our
Directors have current international business skills and experience, as well as an objective
view on social, economic and environmental issues.
We look out at least five years when planning for Board succession, taking into account the
skills and experience required to effectively govern the Company and create long-term value
for shareholders. We are confident that our Board renewal process ensures that we have
the right blend of skills, experience and perspectives critical to the effective oversight of BHP
Billiton on behalf of shareholders.
Pg 2
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
As you would expect, effective succession planning extends throughout the Company and
this is one of the most important tasks of any Board. The strength of our process was
demonstrated in February, when we announced the retirement of Marius Kloppers and the
appointment of Andrew Mackenzie.
Andrew joined BHP Billiton in 2008. He is a world class executive, with more than thirty
years of experience in oil, gas, petrochemicals and mining. His appointment followed a
global search of internal and external candidates.
Our considered, planned succession approach has served BHP Billiton and our shareholders
well. The Board would like to thank Marius for his leadership over the past several years,
including his help in the transition to Andrew. Under Marius and his team, BHP Billiton
outperformed our peers, in terms of total shareholder returns, during some very difficult
times. Marius left BHP Billiton a safer and stronger Company. On behalf of all our
shareholders, we thank him.
Also with us today are members of Andrew’s senior executive team. You can read about
their backgrounds in the Annual Report. The majority of the new senior executive team has
been with BHP Billiton for over ten years, and, in the case of Dean Dalla Valle, for over 35
years. Congratulations and well done Dean. When you look at their careers, you can see
the depth of talent within the Group and the strength of our approach to leadership
development and succession planning, while also ensuring renewal and continuity. Andrew
and the team are off to a strong start. I know they look forward to catching up with you after
the meeting.
Let me also welcome the members of our Forum on Corporate Responsibility. The Forum
provides advice to the Board and senior management on critical issues affecting the
Company and the sector. For over a decade, the Forum has helped challenge the
Company’s thinking and develop progressive policies on a range of issues, from biodiversity,
to climate change and our relationship with indigenous people. While the composition and
operation of the Forum have changed over the years, we remain committed to engaging with
key opinion leaders with diverse views and perspectives. I want to thank them for their
advice, support and robust debate over the years. We are a better Company with them by
our side.
Global economy
Now, let me turn to the global economy and make a few observations on the US, Europe,
Japan and emerging economies, in particular China.
Over the last year, the US experienced moderate growth rates, with the US housing sector
and the stock market strengthening household balance sheets. We are confident of the
continued recovery in the US despite some risk from the unwinding of monetary stimulus.
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BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
On the other hand, conditions in Europe remain challenging, although relatively more stable.
The European economy still faces structural issues, and uncertainty is likely to continue in
the near term.
In Asia, we see strong growth overall. In Japan, the renewed policy push is positive for
medium term growth, if the government can achieve its stated objectives. In China, which
accounts for about 30 per cent of our revenue, weaker trade and softer manufacturing
activity have been a slight drag on growth relative to expectations. You can see the impact
of that in our financial results.
However, despite slowing slightly, China’s growth remains an important driver for our
industry. In the past 20 years, more than 650 million people have been lifted out of poverty
in China alone. It is expected that another 250 million people will move from the countryside
to cities over the next 15 years. With employment conditions and income growth remaining
resilient, we believe the Chinese Government has the room and flexibility to pursue reforms
that support its policy of stable, long term growth. We expect the Chinese economy to grow
at over seven per cent next year. China and other emerging economies will be the major
drivers of global economic growth in the long term, which could deliver up to a 75 per cent
increase in demand for some commodities over the next 15 years.
Only a few countries in the world are well placed to supply this increased demand for
commodities, and Australia is one of them. Therefore, we believe your Company remains
well positioned to contribute to the prosperity of the regions where we operate, including
Australia.
BHP Billiton portfolio
With our four key pillars of Coal, Copper, Iron Ore, and Petroleum, and a possible fifth pillar
in potash, we are able to meet every phase of the economic development cycle, from
investment to consumption-led economies.
This portfolio approach gives us flexibility to adapt as markets evolve. This, of course, is
highlighted by the changes now underway in the global energy mix. Technology and the
need for lower carbon energy have led to a shift in emphasis from coal to gas in the US,
while, globally, various policy measures have also affected the use of different energy
sources. We are aware of, and engaged in, these changes, adjusting our investment and
portfolio as needed.
Overall, our diversified strategy is a core strength, and means we are less vulnerable to
specific commodity risks. This core strength is the foundation of how we have outperformed
our peers over the past decade in total shareholder returns.
Pg 4
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
Business Performance
Now, let me turn to BHP Billiton’s overall performance.
Despite continuing improvements over the past eight years in the Company’s injury rate, it is
with profound sadness that I report three of our colleagues lost their lives at work during the
year. On behalf of the Board and management, I offer our deepest condolences to their
families and friends. Let me be very clear, any injury or loss of life is completely
unacceptable. Safety must come first.
In terms of our operating and financial performance, I am pleased to report that your
Company remains strongly positioned. Our solid financial and operating results were
underpinned by production records and substantial productivity gains. While volatile
commodity markets and slower global growth did affect our results, this was partially offset
by your management team delivering savings in controllable cash costs. Andrew will talk to
you in more detail about this year’s results and the continued commitment he and his team
have made to ongoing productivity improvements.
Looking at capital management, I’m pleased to say that we retained our solid A credit rating
and continued our progressive dividend policy, with a full year dividend increase of four per
cent to 116 US cents per share – which translates to a 13 per cent increase to A$1.20.
Our dividend has increased at a compound annual growth rate of 18 per cent over the last 10
years, and, in that period, we have returned more than US$59 billion in dividends and share
buy-backs to shareholders.
Two constants
Even with our solid results, we should always be reminded that, while our products are an
essential part of everyday life, the resources industry is cyclical and faces continuing
challenges.
Against that backdrop, we can see two constants through our 150-year history. The first is
the significance of what we do. Rising living standards depend on economic growth. Our
aim is to safely, reliably and profitably supply the resources that drive improved living
standards for millions of people around the world every day. The second is how we operate.
Today, this is laid out in Our Charter, which defines our values – let me outline how this
translates to our contribution to society.
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BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
Broader contribution
I will start with the partnerships that support sustainable development, as they are central to
how we operate. We are not just talking about our ability to provide products that support
economic growth. Every day, we also make a positive contribution by supporting social and
economic development that benefits the broader community. We contribute one per cent of
our pre-tax profit to community programs, a total of US$246 million this year, bringing our
voluntary community investment to US$1.5 billion over the past 10 years.
This investment creates a direct link between our success as a Company and the ability we
have to enable fundamental change for good in our communities. The result is a diverse
range of programs, covering education, healthcare, the environment and other initiatives.
Here in Australia, last year we contributed US$67 million to local community programs. This
included support for health care services to remote areas of Western Australia through the
Royal Flying Doctor Service, Secondary and Tertiary scholarships through the Australian
Indigenous Education Foundation, and accommodation for the families of critically sick
children at the new Children’s Hospital here in Perth.
We want to be a genuine part of all the communities in which we operate, and leave a
lasting, positive legacy wherever we work.
Our employees also volunteer their time and energy to make a real difference to their
communities. For example, employees from our Worsley operation, near Collie, provide vital
support to their local fire brigade. Between them, they have volunteered over 2,000 hours of
their own time, and this has been matched through the BHP Billiton Matched Giving
Program.
Our community programs are in addition to the US$11 billion we paid in taxes and royalties
to governments worldwide last year. Of these, our largest payments were made in Australia,
where we paid over US$9 billion.
We also make a broader economic contribution by the jobs we create, the capital we invest
and our support for local businesses. In 2013, for example, 63 per cent of our Group spend
was with local and regional suppliers, including small businesses, thereby extending the
opportunities for others to benefit from our success. In our Australian operations, we spent
over US$19 billion, sourcing more than 70 per cent of our products from Australian
businesses. This supports jobs and investment, not just within BHP Billiton, but across the
whole Australian economy. So your Company, along with others in the resources sector,
continues to make a substantial contribution to Australia’s prosperity.
This year is the 130th anniversary of the discovery of silver, lead and zinc at Broken Hill that
led to the creation of BHP.
Pg 6
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
Around the world, there are very few companies that have successfully adapted to the
massive economic and social challenges of the last 130 years.
In an uncertain world, our strategy of owning and operating large, long-life, low-cost,
expandable, upstream assets, diversified by commodity, geography and market, continues to
deliver significant benefits for our shareholders and our communities.
Combined with the talents and efforts of our people, and the leadership of your CEO, Andrew
Mackenzie, we remain well positioned for the future.
Conclusion
Earlier, I spoke about the transition from Marius to Andrew. At our Annual General Meeting
last month in London, Andrew and the other Directors were able to meet a number of
shareholders. Some of them said they would have liked to have heard more about Andrew’s
background. So, at the risk of embarrassing Andrew, let me expand on what you may have
read in the Annual Report.
Andrew began his career as a geologist and geochemist. He holds a PhD in Chemistry and
his research has had important implications for oil and gas exploration, with its findings still in
use by academics and oil explorers today. As a scientist, Andrew has published over 50
research papers. He has received five major awards, including the President’s Award and
the Aberconway Medal from the Geological Society of London. During his 30-year career in
resources, Andrew has held a variety of senior leadership roles, including Head of Capital
Markets, Chief Technology Officer, and Group Vice President Petrochemicals at BP. From
2004 until 2007, Andrew was Chief Executive of Industrial Minerals at Rio Tinto. Until his
appointment as BHP Billiton CEO earlier this year, he was a non-executive director of the UK
listed energy company, Centrica.
Andrew’s business experience and scientific credentials give him unique insights to his role
as CEO, and to his contribution to your Board. Now, after that introduction, I would like to
hand over to Andrew to talk more about your Company’s performance.
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
Thank you, Jac, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to the Annual General Meeting of
BHP Billiton Limited. I too would like to acknowledge the traditional lands of the Nyoongar
people, and pay my respect to their elders past and present.
Since becoming CEO, I have travelled to Western Australia three times. Western Australia
is a state that plays an important role, both in BHP Billiton’s success and in the success of
the Australian economy as a whole.
Pg 7
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
BHP Billiton is, and always has been, a Company firmly rooted in Australia. We are
Australia’s largest taxpayer. In the last financial year, we generated approximately 70 per
cent of our profits and paid more than US$9 billion in taxes and royalties in Australia. Each
year we spend over US$19 billion in Australia, supporting more than 9,000 local businesses.
Australia is also home to our largest shareholder base and we estimate that seven and a half
million Australian superannuation accounts are invested in about US$20 billion of BHP
Billiton shares. Which means we are owned by millions of everyday Australians. Our Board,
management team and I never forget that we are in service to you, our shareholders. So, I
am pleased to report that in the 2013 financial year we delivered solid results, including
strong volume growth and substantial, productivity-led cost savings. These results would not
have been possible without the hard work of all of our employees and contractors, who work
to deliver critical resources to our customers in every corner of the globe.
Sustainability, the first value of Our Charter, means we are environmentally responsible,
work hard to enhance the well-being of our communities, and put the health and safety of our
workforce first. Over the past eight years, we have reduced our Total Recordable Injury
Frequency by almost 50 per cent. However, I echo Jac’s sentiments of the profound
sadness we all feel to have lost three of our colleagues at work this year. I reaffirm our
commitment to manage our operations so that all of our people go home safely at the end of
each working day.
Our people take pride in working for a Company that operates in an environmentally
responsible way and makes a positive contribution to the communities in which we work. We
continue to monitor, manage and reduce the environmental impact of our operations and,
each year, publicly report on our performance, including our greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change is relevant to us all. As a significant user of energy, we are working to drive
down our greenhouse gas intensity, and we are seeing results. Our current emissions are
below our 2006 baseline, despite the substantial growth of our business since then. For
example, at our Iron Ore operations here in Western Australia we are installing a combined
cycle gas power station that will reduce our carbon emissions by more than 200,000 tonnes
per year.
As a major producer of energy-related commodities, we believe that, even with substantial
gains in energy efficiency and reductions in carbon intensity, net demand for energy will
continue to increase. To meet this growing demand, the world must choose its preferred
energy mix. Although this mix is hard to predict today, it will become clearer as technology
evolves and society chooses what will maximise energy efficiency, minimise environmental
impact and deliver economic growth. We will bring to these discussions our deep
understanding of the Earth’s geology, its available energy resources, societal trends and
needs and trade flows.
Pg 8
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
We are fortunate as we already have a diverse energy portfolio. We can and will continue to
adjust the shape of our portfolio to match energy demand, meet societal expectations,
preserve the progressive base dividend and maximise shareholder returns.
In August, we reported our 2013 financial results, including record production for a number of
our commodities, as well as US$2.7 billion in controllable and sustainable annualised cost
savings. However, lower prices offset the benefits of volume growth and cost savings, so, for
the full year we reported a reduction in Underlying EBIT of US$9 billion, to US$21 billion,
Attributable Profit before exceptional items of just under US$12 billion, net operating cash
flow of US$18 billion and capital and exploration expenditure of US$22 billion.
Our strong operating performance was underpinned by a thirteenth consecutive year of
record production at our Western Australia Iron Ore operations and a 28 per cent increase in
production at our Escondida copper mine in Chile. This high-margin volume growth was
supported by a 76 per cent increase in liquids production at our Onshore US business, a 19
per cent increase in Queensland Coal production, a seven per cent increase in manganese
ore production and, with the ramp-up of Worsley, record alumina production.
Our focus on productivity is extracting more value from existing operations. Over the next
two years, we expect to increase production by eight per cent per year, on a copper
equivalent basis, and deliver additional productivity-led cost savings. We are increasing our
focus on our ‘four pillars’: Iron Ore; Petroleum; Copper; and Coal, and we continue to
operate our Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel businesses as efficiently as possible.
Now to Potash. We expect demand for potash, a fertiliser that improves the yield and quality
of agricultural production, to grow by about two to three per cent per annum to 2030.
This growth will be driven by a rising population and greater economic prosperity, which will
change the patterns of food consumption, requiring higher yields from increasingly-
constrained arable land. Our continued investment in Potash, at an average annual spend of
US$800 million, will make sure we are ready to take advantage of this opportunity to add to
shareholder returns.
BHP Billiton is the only Company to offer broad-based exposure to steel making, metals,
energy and food. As demand for these commodities grows, we need to become more
productive. Our productivity agenda is now fully underway. We are focused on safely
maximising the outputs of our installed capacity in order to deliver volume growth and lower
unit costs. We have also reduced our planned capital expenditure by 25 per cent, to US$16
billion, for the 2014 financial year, and our expenditure will decline again next year.
Pg 9
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
Our people are energised by the productivity challenge ahead and they are delivering great
results right across the organisation. For example, by sharing best practice in the
performance of shovels in our Coal Business, our Iron Ore team in the Pilbara unlocked an
additional 40 million tonnes of capacity, reducing mining costs per tonne. And, by analysing
every step of the production process at one of our coal mines in Queensland, the team
increased throughput and decreased downtime at the coal processing plant to deliver seven
per cent volume growth
With our people delivering such outstanding results, together with our robust strategy and our
unrivalled portfolio of resources, we are confident that we will continue to deliver superior
results to our shareholders.
Thank you.
Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
The Chairman then conducted the formal items of business, including the items on the
remuneration and election of Directors:
Remuneration
Items 7 to 9 relate to executive pay. Item 7 is the Remuneration Report. Item 8 seeks your
approval for the updated Long Term Incentive Plan Rules.
The existing rules were approved and adopted nearly 10 years ago and, over that time, have
served shareholders well. The new Rules have been streamlined and simplified. The
potential award size for participants and the criteria under which awards may vest will remain
largely unchanged. One new feature of the plan is the introduction of clawback provisions.
These ensure that executives are not rewarded where it is not justified by performance. Item
9 seeks approval for the grant of share awards to Andrew Mackenzie under the Group’s
short term and long term incentive plans.
At the time of Andrew’s appointment as CEO, the Board and Remuneration Committee
believed a reduction in the CEO compensation package was appropriate. The proposed
grants, therefore, reflect a reduction in the CEO package of around 25 per cent. We are
seeking approval for a grant to Andrew of deferred shares under the Group’s short term
incentive plan. The award of these shares is entirely performance based and they will not
vest until 2015. In addition, we are seeking approval for an award of share rights under the
Long Term Incentive Plan – which will vest after five years, but only if strict performance
hurdles are met.
Pg 10
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
Election of Board-endorsed Directors
As I mentioned earlier, to effectively govern BHP Billiton, your Directors must have current
international business skills and experience, as well as an objective perspective on global
social, economic and environmental issues. You have a high performing Board that works
hard in the best interests of shareholders. The Board’s performance is evaluated, and that of
individual Directors, through a combination of internal peer assessments and assessments
undertaken by an independent external facilitator.
That process has been used to review the performance of all your Directors, and the Board
considers that each member continues to make a valuable contribution on behalf of
shareholders, as described in the Notice of Meeting. The Board, therefore, recommends the
election of your existing Directors. As you complete your voting card for items 10 to 22, you
are able to vote on each Director individually.
Election of Non-Board endorsed candidate
Item 23 concerns a candidate, Ian Dunlop, who has been nominated by an individual
shareholder outside the usual Nomination and Governance Committee process.
Mr Dunlop draws attention to the global challenge of climate change.
I can assure you that the Company and the Board consider climate change to be one of the
most important strategic issues – and this has been the case for some time.
For the last 20 years, in our Sustainability Reports, we have been transparent about the need
for change, about our policies around change and about the actions we have taken to
implement change.
As part of these actions, we have included a carbon price in all our investment decisions over
the last decade.
I should also point out that our diversified commodity portfolio strategy was shaped to reduce
volatility and mitigate macro risks, such as climate change.
Consequently, the Board has considered Mr Dunlop’s nomination, as part of the rigorous
succession planning process I spoke about earlier, and recommends you vote against his
election.
The Chairman concluded the items of business.
Pg 11
BHP Billiton Limited Annual General Meeting
Speeches by Jac Nasser, Chairman, BHP Billiton
and
Andrew Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Billiton
21 November 2013
Closing remarks
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your questions. We value your comments and ideas,
and will continue to work for ongoing improvement on your behalf.
The results will be notified to stock exchanges and posted on our website.
In closing, let me again thank you for your support and commitment.
Sponsor: Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking Division)
Pg 12
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