BHP hit by big impairments after flat half

BHP lowered its dividend by less than expected with its latest half-year numbers in a sign that it is more confident over the outlook for bulk metals said analysts. Underlying profits for the six months to end December 2023 were flat at US$6.60bn and slightly better than consensus estimates beforehand though big impairment charges reduced the total down to US$0.9bn. BHP took a US$3.2bn hit for its share of compensation for the Samarco Dam disaster in Brazil and also US$2.5bn for potentially closing its West ...