Own Woodside shares? Here's why this $7 billion deal could be at risk

We take a look at what is going on at Woodside Energy.

| More on:
A Chinese investor sits in front of his laptop looking pensive and concerned about pandemic lockdowns which may impact ASX 200 iron ore share prices

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • Woodside Energy shares slid today 
  • Oil prices are currently in the red 
  • Woodside has ditched plans to sell down its stake in the Sangomar project for now 

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares fell slightly today amid falling oil prices.

Woodside shares dropped 0.81% to $30.72 in today's trade. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 0.02% today.

Let's take a look at what has been happening at Woodside lately.

What's going on at Woodside?

Woodside shares are slightly in the red today after oil prices dropped. International benchmark Brent crude oil is down 0.62% at the time of writing, while WTI crude oil is 0.77% in the red, according to Bloomberg energy.

In recent news, Woodside has ended the "current sell-down process" for the Sangomar oil project. Woodside currently has an 82% interest in the project. This project is worth US$4.6 billion, or $6.67 billion Australian dollars.

Woodside said in its recent second quarter report last week, it will ditch this sell-down – at least for now. CEO Meg O'Neill said:

Following extensive discussions with potential new partners, we have decided to discontinue the sell-down of equity in Sangomar.

The company had been planning to cut its interest in the project, located about 100 km south of Dakar, Senegal, to less than 50%.

In comments cited by The Australian Financial Review, O'Neill highlighted the two parties have not been able to arrive at a saleable price due to high oil prices. She said:

When we've got oil that's going to be coming to market in the very near term, our
expectation of what fair value is is quite attractive, and in a high price environment,
sometimes it's hard for buyers and sellers to come home to alignment on what price is
appropriate

Woodside reported last week revenue increased by 44% in the second quarter of this year, up 44% from the previous quarter. Production also increased 60% on the first quarter of this year.

Recap of Woodside shares

Woodside shares have surged 38% in the past year, jumping 40% in the year to date.

However, in the past month, Woodside shares have jumped just 0.36%.

For perspective, the benchmark ASX index has declined about 8% in the past year.

Woodside has a market capitalisation of over $58 billion based on today's share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

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

Here's how the Santos share price is responding to today's production results

Santos reported its quarterly production and revenue results today.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Energy Shares

Should you buy the 10% dip on this ASX 300 uranium stock?

Could big returns be on the cards for buyers of this stock? Let's see what analysts are saying.

Read more »

A female coal miner wearing a white hardhat and orange high-vis vest holds a lump of coal and smiles as the Whitehaven Coal share price rises today
Broker Notes

1 ASX 200 energy stock with 'minimal competition' to buy right now

This stock is trading 30% lower than its 2022 record high.

Read more »

A miner in visibility gear and hard hat looks seriously at an iPad device in a field where oil mining equipment is visible in the background.
Energy Shares

Oil price spikes on Iran's attack. Now what?

The oil price remains near six-month highs as the world awaits Israel’s response to Iran’s drone and rocket attack.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Energy Shares

Why is the New Hope share price sinking on Monday?

What's going on with this coal miner's shares?

Read more »

A miner in visibility gear and hard hat looks seriously at an iPad device in a field where oil mining equipment is visible in the background.
Energy Shares

2 ASX 200 energy stocks to buy for oil and uranium exposure

Analysts think these energy stocks could offer decent upside for investors.

Read more »

Happy man standing in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

Broker says Woodside share price weakness is a buy opportunity

Now could be a buying opportunity for investors according to Wilsons.

Read more »

2 workers standing in front of a wind farm giving a high five.
Energy Shares

Origin shares fall despite 'highly strategic' $300m renewable energy acquisition

Origin is taking a big step in its clean energy transition.

Read more »