Woodside Declares USD0.57 Interim Dividend; Profits Rise

Woodside Energy Group announced an interim dividend of US$0.57 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, with ex-dividend on September 3, a record date September 4, and payment due September 25, signaling confidence in its cash flows. The half-year results show operating revenue of about US$7.45 billion, up roughly 13% from a year earlier, with net profit after tax of about US$1.67 billion and underlying NPAT around US$1.33 billion; despite a 13% drop in production to 86.5 million barrels of oil equivalent, output averaged 478 thousand boe per day. Management attributed higher prices and demand to Middle East-driven disruptions and noted its marketing arm is capitalizing on the environment. Major projects progressed, with Scarborough at about 98% completion and aiming for first LNG cargo in Q4 2026, Trion at 64% with first oil targeted in 2028, and Louisiana LNG at 28% with first LNG planned for 2029, alongside the Gippsland Basin operatorship to bolster eastern Australian energy security. Woodside also highlighted sustainability efforts and a plan to save about US$350 million annually from 2028 as it refines its focus on value under CEO Liz Westcott, while acknowledging LNG price lags through September. The company’s interim payout policy and solid cash flow accompany a Hold rating from analysts, who set a target price of A$33.40 per share.