On February 16, Australian mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd announced its financial results for the half year ended on December 31, 2010, stating that the company's diversified, ‘tier one' business strategy delivered another record half year result.
Accordingly, during the period in question, BHP Billiton's total revenue increased by 39 percent to US$34.17 billion, its underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 59.7 percent to a record high US$17.3 billion, while its attributable profit increased by 71.5 percent up to US$10.52 billion, all compared with the same period of 2009.
BHP Billiton's profit from operations during the half year ended December 31, 2010 increased by 59.2 percent to US$14.52 billion, compared to the same period of the previous year.
"The consistently high margins and returns that characterize BHP Billiton's business strategy were again evident," the company said, adding, "the group's ongoing commitment to invest through the cycle has ideally positioned BHP Billiton to deliver."
On the outlook, BHP Billiton said, "BHP Billiton is cautiously optimistic on the short-term outlook for the global economy given the continuation of robust growth in emerging markets and further positive signs of a sustainable recovery in major developed economies such as the United States."