Research Alert: Bhp Raises Copper Outlook On Escondida Strength, Cuts Unit Costs Significantly
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:BHP delivered solid nine-month operational performance with copper production of 1,460.9kt, down 3% Y/Y, due to lower Escondida grades, while iron ore achieved record production of 196.6Mt, up 2%. Average realized copper prices surged 31% Y/Y to USD5.47/lb, led by AI infrastructure demand and electrification trends, with iron ore averaging USD84.91/wmt, up 2%. Strong operational momentum at key assets including record material mined at Escondida and excellence at WAIO support the investment thesis despite grade headwinds. Management upgraded FY 26 (Jun.) copper guidance to the upper half of the 1,900-2,000kt range, reflecting operational confidence. BHP's disciplined capital management realized USD4.8B through strategic transactions, including the Antamina streaming deal, enabling focus on growth projects. Escondida's unit cost guidance was lowered to USD1.00-1.20/lb, reflecting operational excellence, while the Resolution Copper land exchange milestone advances a major untapped copper resource.