TOP NEWS: Antofagasta ups dividend after 2020 revenue and profit rise Tue, 16th Mar 2021 08:45 (Alliance News) - Antofagasta PLC on Tuesday hiked its dividend by more than expected, as it reported positive annual results and a strengthened balance sheet. The Chilean copper miner said revenue increased by 3.3% to USD5.13 billion in 2020 from USD4.94 billion in 2019, while pretax profit was USD1.41 billion, up 4.4% from USD1.35 billion. This reflects increases in copper and gold realised prices that were partially offset by the decrease in sales volumes, Antofagasta said. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose 12% to USD2.74 billion in 2020 from USD2.44 billion the year prior, just above analysts' expectations of USD2.6 billion. This is a result of higher revenue and lower costs due to the weaker Chilean peso, lower input costs, and tight cost control, Antofagasta said.