BHP limited: Risk management strategy

Abstract

BHP Limited, a global natural resource company based in Australia, has traditionally hedged its market price risks with derivatives. Based on the analysis of a 'Cash Flow at Risk' model, which exploits the diversification effect in a portfolio context, it has now decided to discontinue its hedging activities. However, this portfolio approach to risk management raises questions about the standard 'stand-alone' approach to project evaluation and capital allocation.