BHP Group has updated its dividend announcement to specify currency exchange rates and payment options for the USD 0.99 per share fully franked dividend for the six months ending June 2026.
- Dividend of USD 0.99 per share fully franked at 30%
- Payment date set for 23 September 2026 with 4 September record date
- Shareholders can elect dividends in AUD, GBP, NZD, ZAR, or USD
- Dividend Reinvestment Plan available with no discount
- Currency elections must be lodged by 7 September 2026
Dividend Payment and Currency Update
BHP Group Limited (ASX:BHP) has provided an update to its dividend announcement for the six months ending 30 June 2026, confirming a fully franked dividend of USD 0.99 per share. The payment is scheduled for 23 September 2026, with a record date of 4 September 2026 and an ex-dividend date of 3 September 2026. This update primarily clarifies the currency exchange rates and payment options available to shareholders.
Multi-Currency Dividend Options and Exchange Rates
Shareholders will have the option to receive their dividends in one of five currencies: Australian Dollar (AUD), Pound Sterling (GBP), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), South African Rand (ZAR), or US Dollar (USD). The primary currency of payment remains USD, with the dividend amount per share equivalent to AUD 1.3799, GBP 0.7324, NZD 1.6853, and ZAR 1,580.52 cents based on exchange rates published on 28 August 2026. These rates reflect benchmark central bank reference rates relevant to each market.
For shareholders on the Australian register who opt for a non-primary currency other than AUD, dividends will be converted from USD into AUD before conversion into the elected currency. South African shareholders will receive dividends exclusively in ZAR. The company requires shareholders to submit their currency election and direct credit details by 7 September 2026 to facilitate payments in their chosen currency, otherwise payments default to AUD via cheque.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Details
BHP continues to offer a full Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) for this dividend, with no discount applied to the reinvestment price. Shares under the DRP will be purchased on-market shortly after the dividend payment date, and the DRP price will be the average of actual transaction prices. Shareholders who do not elect to participate in the DRP will receive cash dividends. The deadline for DRP election lodgement aligns with the currency election cut-off on 7 September 2026.
This update builds on the company's earlier announcement and provides the final currency exchange details necessary for shareholders to make informed decisions on dividend receipt and reinvestment. The clarity around multi-currency payments reflects BHP's global shareholder base and the complexities of cross-border dividend distribution.
Bottom Line?
BHP’s detailed currency update ensures shareholders can optimise dividend receipt amid fluctuating exchange rates ahead of the September payment.
Questions in the middle?
- How will currency fluctuations between announcement and payment affect dividend value for shareholders electing non-USD currencies?
- What proportion of shareholders typically elect to participate in the DRP versus cash payments?
- Could future dividend currency options expand further to accommodate BHP’s global investor base?