On the back of a substantial hike in iron ore output, BHO Billiton is expected to today release a strong and profitable quarterly production report. The company might also commence its share buyback scheme.

Analysts are of the opinion that an increase in demand from the steel industry all over the world should highlight BHP's output, with an exceptionally strong result expected for the December quarter. The report has been similar to the one released for Rio Tinto last week.

BHP's interim financial results are due in about three weeks, and the company could announce that it is looking to restart its share buyback program, as has been shared by UBS analyst Glyn Lawcock.

"We believe that BHP may announce a resumption of capital returns in the interim result... given the deferral of the balance payment to Rio (for their iron ore joint venture) to the second half of
2010 and better prices and outlook for commodities", he said.

BHP's previous share buyback program was announced in February 2007, and the same was suspended in December of the same year.