BHP Reports 2% Increase in Q3 Iron Ore Output
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 21 2026
0mins
Should l Buy BHP?
Reports Q3 iron ore output at 62.8Mt, up 2% from last year. Reports Q3 energy coal output of 4.0Mt, up 12% from last year. Keeps FY26 Iron Ore guidance unchanged at 258-269 Mt. Sees FY26 energy coal output in "upper half" of 14-16 Mt prior target range. CEO Mike Henry states: "BHP has delivered strong performance over the past nine months, including record material mined and concentrator throughput at Escondida and record production at WAIO. These results reflect the consistency of our operations and the strength of our high-margin diversified portfolio in an evolving operating environment. In copper, strong performance at Escondida and Antamina supports our expectation of delivering production in the upper half of 2026 BHP Group copper guidance. We continue to make steady progress across our copper growth program, consistent with our focus on long-life, high-quality copper supply and disciplined capital allocation. Our centralized procurement capability and our low-cost operations have positioned us advantageously in the face of industry-wide pressure on the cost of energy and consumables as a result of the conflict in the Middle East."
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Analyst Views on BHP
Wall Street analysts forecast BHP stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 82.550
Low
49.50
Averages
56.50
High
68.00
Current: 82.550
Low
49.50
Averages
56.50
High
68.00
About BHP
BHP Group Limited is an Australia-based resources company. The Company is a producer of commodities, including iron ore, copper, nickel, potash and metallurgical (steelmaking) coal. It is focused on offering a range of resources, which provides copper for renewable energy; nickel for electric vehicles; potash for sustainable farming, and iron ore and metallurgical coal for the steel needed for global infrastructure and the energy transition. Its segments include Copper, Iron Ore, and Coal. Its Copper segment is engaged in mining of copper, silver, zinc, molybdenum, uranium, and gold. Its Iron Ore segment is engaged in mining of iron ore. Its Coal segment is engaged in mining of metallurgical coal and energy coal. The Company is also focused on operating Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill, and Carrapateena underground copper-gold mines in South Australia. Its operations are situated in Australia, Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, rest of Asia, North America, South America, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Copper's Profit Contribution: In fiscal year 2025, copper accounted for 45% of BHP's EBITDA, and in the first six months of fiscal year 2026, this figure exceeded 50% for the first time, indicating a growing reliance on copper as the company transforms its portfolio.
- Agnico Eagle's Cost Advantage: Agnico Eagle Mines maintains an all-in sustaining cost of $1,400 to $1,550 per ounce of gold, achieving a realized gold price of $4,861 per ounce in Q1, driving record quarterly operating margins and showcasing its competitive edge in low-risk regions.
- Utilization of Renewable Energy: Agnico Eagle's mines leverage renewable energy sources like hydroelectric power and wind energy, reducing dependence on diesel, which accounts for only about 10% of total operating costs, thus enhancing resilience amid rising fuel prices.
See More
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- Rising Copper Demand: BHP projects global copper demand will increase from 33 million tons today to over 50 million tons by 2050, reflecting the company's strategic focus on electrification and renewable energy, which is expected to drive future revenue growth.
- Profitability Enhancement: BHP's copper EBITDA contribution rose from 29% to 45% in fiscal 2025, exceeding 50% for the first time in the first half of fiscal 2026, indicating the increasing importance of copper to the company's overall profitability.
- Cost Advantage: Agnico Eagle's all-in sustaining costs (AISC) range between $1,400 and $1,550 per ounce, with a realized gold price of $4,861 in Q1, driving record quarterly operating margins and showcasing its strong competitive profitability.
- Energy Cost Protection: Agnico Eagle's diesel costs account for only 10% of total operating costs, with half of its diesel exposure hedged, providing relative insulation against rising fuel prices, enhancing its attractiveness to investors.
See More
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- Tech Stocks Lead: Nvidia emerged as a market leader, driving a new wave of buying activity, reflecting strong investor confidence in its future growth potential, which may further enhance its market valuation.
- Arm Earnings Impact: Arm's earnings performance has become a focal point for the market, expected to positively influence related tech stocks and potentially trigger M&A activity within the industry, thereby invigorating market dynamics.
- Improved Investor Sentiment: As optimism about economic recovery grows, investors may reassess their allocations to risk assets, propelling the overall market upward and further solidifying the bullish trend in equities.
See More
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- Inventory Levels: As of April 22, Jimblebar fines stocks at 15 major Chinese ports reached 8.69 million tons, a staggering 382% increase from late September, indicating a rebound in demand for BHP products that may encourage steel producers to increase purchases.
- Successful Contract Negotiation: BHP's contract negotiation with China Mineral Resources Group has concluded successfully, allowing steel producers to buy and take delivery of previously frozen BHP ore products upon submitting a report, further enhancing market liquidity.
- Market Reaction: Although the iron ore contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange fell by 1% to 779.5 yuan/ton (approximately $114.18), the news of the ban lift may have a positive long-term impact on prices, attracting more investor interest in the iron ore market.
See More
