Mining giant, BHP Billiton Limited (BHP - Free Report) reported robust financial results for first-half fiscal 2017 (ended Dec 30, 2016).

Over the last six months, shares of this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock yielded a return of 27.27% – outperforming 8.88% gain provided by the Zacks categorized Metals-Non Ferrous industry.

Inside the Headlines

For first-half fiscal 2017, earnings per American Depository Share (“ADS”) came in at roughly 61 cents, remarkably up from 8 cents recorded in the year-ago period.

Revenues: Revenues for half-year fiscal 2017 totaled $18.8 billion, up 19.6% from $15.7 billion recorded in the prior-year period.

Margin: Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) came in at $9.9 billion for first-half fiscal 2017, marking a significant increase of 65% year over year.

Balance Sheet: Cash and cash equivalents as of Dec 31, 2016 came in at $14 billion, up from $10.3 billion at the end of fiscal 2016. Interest-bearing liabilities summed $30.7 billion, down from $31.8 billion as of Jun 30, 2016.

Cash Flow: In first-half fiscal 2017, the company generated $8.5 billion cash from operations, up 34.8% year over year. Capital and exploration expenditure was $2.7 billion, down from $4.4 billion incurred in the year-earlier period.

During the reported period, the company paid dividends worth $748 million compared with $3.3 billion paid at the end of first-half fiscal 2016.

Outlook: BHP Billiton aims to boost its financial fundamentals in the near term on the back of improved mining and exploration activities, efficient operations, and strategic capital deployment programs.  

Other Stocks to Consider

Some other well-ranked stocks within the industry are listed below:

Albemarle Corporation (ALB - Free Report) has a positive average earnings surprise of 27.13% for the last four quarters and currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Arconic Inc. (ARNC - Free Report) presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a positive average earnings surprise of 79.97% for the trailing four quarters.

BASF SE (BASFY - Free Report) also carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a positive average earnings surprise of 34.34% for the past four quarters.