What are the things the CEO of the world’s largest mining company is doing? What keeps BHP Billiton’s CEO Marius Kloppers awake at night? What are the categories of his “To Do”-list?
An analysis of BHP Billiton’s latest annual & financial reports, investor presentations and the news about the company in the last months yields a list of 10 issues that are likely to be at the top of Kloppers’ list of priorities. The list holds strategic, operational, financial and relational activities, each of which are scored in terms of importance and urgency. Priority 1 on the list is the lobby on the new Australian mining tax. Priority 10 is improvement of the safety record of the company. Read on for the full list of priorities.
Priority 1 – Lobby against Australian mining tax
The campaign against the super profits tax proposed by the Australian government is currently on top of the list of the CEO. Corporate profits are projected to decrease by over 15% if the proposal is implemented without changes.
Priority 2 – Screen potential acquisition targets
With BHPB’s strong balance sheet and the failed take-over of Rio Tinto in the back of the mind the company will be looking for acquisition targets. Growth by acquisitions should help the company to meet achieve positive growth again in 2010. There are rumours that the company is on the verge of announcing acquisitions in the petroleum business.
Priority 3 – Complete cost cutting projects to restore margin
The margin has taken a major hit in the past two years. Kloppers will need to show the shareholders he is able to restore the margin by cutting costs. Especially the aluminum and stainless steel metals business units will need to cut costs significantly.
Priority 4 – Manage Pilbara Iron ore investment
The iron ore project in Western Australia is by far the largest capital project of the company at this moment. The structure of a JV with Rio Tinto makes additional executive attention is required in order to align the operations and to ramp up production quickly.
Priority 5 – Refinance debt while retaining credit rating
A significant part of BHP Billiton’s debt needs to be refinanced in the coming years. The companies strong balance sheet has helped it to achieve an “A” credit rating. Kloppers will be working hard with the Alex Vanselow, the CFO, to retain this favourable position.
Priority 6 – Get new petroleum projects on steam
Fuel costs are the most important driver of costs in the mining industry. Having a strong petroleum business unit helps to hedge against the likely price increases of oil. BHP has six capital petroleum project in the execution phase (Turrum, Pyrenees and NWS North Rankin B being the largest). The CEO will keep a close watch on the development of these projects.
Priority 7 – Reduce portfolio dependency on steel making
The percentage of BHP Billiton’s sales related to steel making has increased in the past 5 years from approx. 50% to approx. 70%. Although this means the company is well positioned to benefit from China’s growth, it does pose a great risk of volatility. Kloppers will be looking for opportunities to strengthen the aluminium, base metals and diamond business to cover this risk.
Priority 8 – Align with Jack Nasser, the new chairman
Don Argus has retired as chairman and Jac Nasser has started in this position. As the position of any CEO is subject of continuous questions, Kloppers will make sure he is aligning with the new chairman.
Priority 9 – Position for Chinese and Indian growth
BHP expects India to follow the growth trajectory of China. However, the current infrastructure of the company is not yet aligned with the large part of consumption of its goods in Asia. Kloppers will be working on strengthening the focus of both the supply chain and the marketing departments.
Priority 10 – Improve safety record
In 2009 the company had 7 fatalities in its operations. Kloppers will be concerned about getting the safety at all operations at par. Public and legal opinion pressure the executives to undertake additional action.
Link to this article: http://www.thebusinessofmining.com/2010/05/27/BHPBPriorities
Sources: BHP Billiton annual report 2009, BHP Billiton summary review 2009, BHP Billiton investor presentation February 2010