BHP's Second-Half Profit Doubles on Metal Prices (Update1)

LONDON, Aug. 25 -- BHP Billiton Ltd., the world's biggest mining company, reported a doubling in second-half profit, helping to drive its $40 billion hostile takeover offer for Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc.

Net income was $6.587 billion for the six months ended June 30, from $3.26 billion a year ago, spokeswoman Kelly Quirke said after the Melbourne-based company's full-year results were released today. That missed the $7.2 billion median estimate of 5 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Higher prices for copper, nickel and aluminum have boosted profit after last year's earnings plunged as the global recession sapped demand for raw materials. Chief Executive Officer Marius Kloppers, 47, who is seeking to add potash mines to metals, iron ore, coal and energy units, slashed net debt by 41 percent to $3.3 billion.

"The result was pretty well in line," said Stephen Bartrop, director of Sydney-based Stock Resource. The strong cash flow generation "gives confidence they can meet the Potash Corp. bid and fund anything associated with that," he said.

BHP, which said it remains "cautious" on the short-term outlook for the global economy, declined 0.3 percent to A$37.44 at the 4:10 p.m. Sydney time close on the Australian stock exchange. The statement came after the market closed.

'Strong Demand'

"There is strong physical demand for some commodities, such as copper, where consumers are restocking and premiums continue to rise," BHP said in the statement. "Elsewhere, there is weaker demand for those commodities where short term demand is likely to be satisfied by inventory rather than primary supply."

The company, which made a $130 a share bid for Potash Corp. last week, is facing possible rival bids and may be forced to increase its offer for the world's biggest fertilizer producer. A purchase of Potash Corp., which has rejected the offer, would be BHP's biggest since buying WMC Resources Ltd. in 2005.

Net income was $12.7 billion for the year ended June 30, from $5.9 billion a year ago, BHP said in the statement. That missed the $13.3 billion average estimate of 15 analysts compiled by Bloomberg. It compares with 2008's record $15.4 billion.