How does the Woodside Petroleum (ASX:WPL) dividend compare to the energy sector?

Here's some good news for Woodside shareholders.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price isn't having a good run lately, but investors will likely still be excited about the company's dividend.

The oil and gas producer historically pays a dividend in March and September. It generally announces its final dividend in August and its interim dividend in February.

The Woodside share price has fallen 4% over the course of 2021. Shares in the company are currently trading for $22.14 a piece.

But how does the Woodside dividend compare to those of its peers on the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)? Let's take a look.

A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payments

Image source: Getty Images

How the Woodside dividend stacks up

The last 2 dividends the oil and gas producer has handed out were significantly smaller than those prior.

Woodside didn't have a great 2020 calendar. Unfortunately, its poor performance has been reflected in its dividends. Readers can find Woodside's 2020 results here.

In fact, its final dividend of 2020 was the smallest the company has ever given its shareholders. It was just 15.29 Australian cents per share.

The previous dividend payout, given to shareholders in March 2020, was 36.24 Australian cents.

Meaning the company handed around 51.5 cents per share from its 2020 calendar year profits back to its shareholders.

That leaves Woodside with a dividend yield of 2.35%.

Additionally, All dividends Woodside has even given out have been fully franked. That means some investors may be using the dividends to reduce the amount of tax they pay.

When compared to the ASX 200 energy sector, the current Woodside dividend yield is pretty good.

Only two companies have recorded better dividend yields.

Those are Worley Ltd and Origin Energy Ltd. They parade respective dividend yields of 4.48% and 5.47%.

However, neither Worley nor Origin offer franked dividends. Meaning, for many investors, the Woodside dividend may be seen as the best in class.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Energy Shares

A graphic depicting a businessman in a business suit standing with his hand to his chin looking at a large red arrow pointing upwards above a line up of oil barrels againist the backdrop of a world map.
Energy Shares

Brent crude oil price jumps 12% amid Houthi bid to control alternative oil route

Houthis want to block Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export route in the Red Sea.

Read more »

An oil worker assesses productivity at an oil rig.
Energy Shares

$10,000 invested in Santos and Woodside shares 3 years ago is now worth…

How do the three-year returns from Santos and Woodside shares stack up?

Read more »

Man sits smiling at a computer showing graphs.
Energy Shares

Here's what brokers tip for Santos shares over the next 12 months

The oil and gas major's shares have already jumped 39% higher so far in 2026.

Read more »

Engineer in the oilfield wearing red helmet and work clothes, with pumpjack and wellhead in the background.
Energy Shares

Is the Santos share price still good value after rising 37% in 2026?

The shares are close to a 52-week high, yet I still see enough value to remain interested today.

Read more »

Two people wearing hard hats talking with each other at a mine site, with two workers in the background.
Energy Shares

Uranium is back. Three ASX shares that give you exposure

One clean producer, two turnaround bets.

Read more »

A male oil and gas mechanic wearing a white hardhat walks along a steel platform above a series of gas pipes in a gas plant.
Energy Shares

Santos shares on watch after major Papua LNG deal

Investors have another reason to watch this ASX 200 energy stock today.

Read more »

An oil refinery worker stands in front of an oil rig with his arms crossed and a smile on his face.
Energy Shares

How Woodside shares are building a 'unique position' to supply global LNG markets

Woodside shares are growing their exposure to global LNG markets.

Read more »

Oil industry worker in an oil field.
Energy Shares

These 2 ASX energy shares have 18-31% upside according to Bell Potter

These energy stocks are top buys.

Read more »