What Analysts Expect to Drive BHP Billiton’s Earnings Growth

BHP Billiton’s (BHP) stock had gained 12.5% year-to-date as of June 7, while the SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (XME) had gained 5.3%. Whereas the stock’s performance over the first three months of the year was negative due to weak iron ore prices, it picked up in April. Along with higher commodity prices, company-specific factors boosted the stock. BHP expects to monetize its US shale assets, which should be positive given the benign oil price environment. Its shale assets have received bids from oil giants BP (BP), Royal Dutch Shell (RDS. ...