Everything you need to know about the trimmed-down Fortescue dividend

How much is Fortescue paying to 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

Key points
  • Fortescue shares are down 4.58% to $18.96 following the release of the company's FY 2022 results this morning
  • The board declared a final dividend of $1.21 per share, representing a 43% reduction on the prior corresponding period
  • The ex-dividend date falls next Friday, with payment set for 29 September

The Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price is backtracking today amid a broader slump across the ASX.

This comes as investors sparked a sell-off on Wall Street following hawkish comments from Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.

Fortescue shares are down 4.58% to $18.96 despite the company dropping its highly anticipated full-year results this morning.

The mining giant delivered a record operational performance, achieving the second highest annual profit in its history.

However, the board decided to slash its final dividend by 43% which appears to have disappointed investors.

Let's take a closer look at the details surrounding the company's latest dividend.

An older woman with grey hair and wearing glasses looks at her laptop screen with her hand outstretched to demonstrate that she doesn't understand what she is reading

Image source: Getty Images

Fortescue share price sinks amid dividend cut

On the back of the company's FY 2022 result, the board elected to cut its fully franked final dividend to $1.21 per share.

Fortescue achieved a solid operational performance but its financial scorecard was considerably lower than for the prior corresponding period.

Revenue plunged 22% to US$17,390 million due to the fall in the iron ore benchmark price and average price realisation.

In addition, C1 costs surged by 14% to US$15.91/wet metric tonne (wmt) because of increases in diesel prices, labour rates, and other consumables.

On the bottom line, Fortescue reported a decrease of 40% in net profit after tax (NPAT) to US$6.2 billion.

This led the board to significantly lower the final dividend, bringing the total dividends declared for FY 2022 to $2.07 per share.

Nonetheless, the full-year dividend is at the upper end of the company's dividend policy, representing a payout ratio of 75% of NPAT.

In line with its capital allocation framework, Fortescue's policy is to maintain a payout ratio of 50% to 80%.

The ex-dividend date for the final dividend is 5 September. This means you have until next Friday to buy Fortescue shares to secure the upcoming dividend.

If you manage to add them to your porfolio in time, you'll receive payment on 29 September.

Furthermore, you may wish to opt in to the company's dividend reinvestment plan (DRP).

The last date to participate in the DRP is Wednesday 7 September.

There's no DRP discount and the reinvestment price will be decided upon the volume weighted average price (VWAP) between 8 September to 14 September.

Based on today's price, Fortescue commands a market capitalisation of $58.5 billion and has a dividend yield of 14.95%.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Dividend Investing

Happy miner with his hand in the air.
Resources Shares

Buying Rio Tinto shares? Here's the yield you'll get today

Rio has been a goldmine for investors lately.

Read more »

A couple working on a laptop laugh as they discuss their ASX share portfolio.
Dividend Investing

Could this boring ASX 200 dividend share be a strong buy for its big yield?

Boring businesses can still be useful for income investors, especially when a share price fall pushes the forecast yield much…

Read more »

Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.
Dividend Investing

2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares to buy for 4% to 5% yields

Let's see which shares are being recommended as buys this week.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Dividend Investing

Here's a 9% ASX dividend stock to consider for a monthly passive income

This ASX dividend stock is every investor's dream.

Read more »

Person with a handful of Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock just raised its dividend by 21%

This stock is raising its dividends like clockwork.

Read more »

A wad of $100 bills of Australian currency lies stashed in a bird's nest.
Dividend Investing

2 top ASX 200 dividend stocks to help boost your superannuation income

The passive income from ASX dividend stocks can help pave the way for a wealthier retirement.

Read more »

Different Australian dollar notes in the palm of two hands, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

This ASX dividend stock has a 4% yield and a 27% growth rate

This dividend stock is a rare gem.

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 8%

These stocks have very appealing yields!

Read more »