Core Viewpoint - The company reported a 14% decline in annual net profit but maintained its dividend level due to stable underlying earnings [1][9]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a net profit of $9.97 billion in 2025, down from $11.55 billion the previous year [2][10]. - Underlying earnings totaled $10.87 billion, a slight decrease of 0.9% year-on-year, but below market expectations of approximately $11.03 billion [2][10]. Dividend Information - The board announced a final dividend of $2.54 per share, which represents 60% of underlying earnings [3][11]. - The total annual dividend remains at $4.02 per share, unchanged from the previous year and above market expectations [4][12]. Market Dynamics - The company noted that the overall neutral impact of price fluctuations highlights the increasing importance of its diversified model [5][13]. - In 2025, iron ore prices from Australian mines fell by 7.6%, while global prices for copper and aluminum increased [5][13]. - The Australian iron ore business continues to contribute over half of the company's profits [6][14]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is attempting to reduce its reliance on iron ore by investing in other commodities such as copper and lithium [7][15]. - Recently, the company was in talks with Glencore for a potential merger, which could have created the largest mining and copper production company globally, but the negotiations did not reach an agreement [7][16]. - The company is currently testing its borate and titanium businesses in the market and is working on monetizing infrastructure assets [8][16].