Woodside Energy Group has updated its dividend announcement, revealing the exchange rates and currency conversion methods for its upcoming fully franked dividend payment. Shareholders can expect payments in multiple currencies based on their location, with options to elect alternative currencies by early September.
- Ordinary dividend of USD 0.53 per share, fully franked
- Dividend relates to six months ending 30 June 2025
- Payments scheduled for 24 September 2025 in multiple currencies
- Exchange rates and currency conversion methodology disclosed
- Shareholders can elect alternative payment currencies by 1 September 2025
Dividend Update and Currency Details
Woodside Energy Group Ltd has provided an important update to its dividend distribution announcement for the first half of the 2025 financial year. The company confirmed a fully franked ordinary dividend of USD 0.53 per share, payable on 24 September 2025. This update clarifies the exchange rates and methodology used to convert the dividend into various payment currencies, a detail that was previously unavailable.
Multi-Currency Payment Arrangements
While the dividend is declared in US dollars, Woodside will pay shareholders in Australian dollars by default, except for those registered in the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand, who will receive payments in British pounds, US dollars, and New Zealand dollars respectively. Additionally, shareholders outside these countries may elect to receive their dividends electronically in their local currency through the share registry's Global Wire Payment Service.
Exchange Rates and Shareholder Options
The company disclosed actual exchange rates used for currency conversions, including AUD/USD at 0.64778, GBP/USD at 1.34647, and NZD/USD at 0.5863. Shareholders wishing to change their payment currency must make their election by 7pm AEST on 1 September 2025. This flexibility allows investors to manage currency exposure and potentially optimise their dividend income depending on their preferred currency.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Not Applicable
Woodside confirmed that its Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) will not apply to this dividend payment. This means shareholders will receive cash payments rather than reinvesting dividends into additional shares, a notable point for those considering their income versus growth strategies.
Context and Implications
This update comes as part of Woodside’s ongoing commitment to transparency and shareholder communication. By providing detailed currency conversion information, the company helps investors better understand the value of their dividends in their local currency, especially important in a volatile foreign exchange environment. The fully franked nature of the dividend also underscores Woodside’s strong tax position and profitability.
Bottom Line?
Woodside’s detailed currency disclosures ahead of dividend payments offer shareholders clarity and choice, setting the stage for informed decisions in a fluctuating FX landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- How will currency election trends among shareholders impact Woodside’s dividend payout profile?
- Could future FX volatility influence Woodside’s dividend policy or payment currency arrangements?
- What are the implications for investors in countries not covered by default currency payments?