If you're wanting to receive the next BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) dividend, then you don't have long to act.
That's because the Big Australian's shares will be trading ex-dividend very soon.
When this happens, it means that the rights to the dividend are settled and if you're not already on its share register, you won't be receiving a pay check when the funds are distributed.
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The BHP dividend
Last month, BHP released its half-year results for FY 2025 and revealed a disappointing 23% decline in underlying attributable profit to US$5.1 billion. This was driven largely by a decline in realised iron ore and steelmaking coal prices, which was partially offset by higher realised copper prices.
In addition, BHP advised that it generated free cash flow of US$2.6 billion for the half, which was down 30% on the prior corresponding period. This reflects its lower earnings and a 10% increase in capital and exploration expenditure to US$5.2 billion.
In light of its profit and free cash flow decline, the BHP board elected to cut its fully franked interim dividend by 30.5% to 50 US cents per share. Though, while this was at an eight-year low, it was ahead of the consensus estimate 49 US cents per share.
Based on current exchange rates, this represents an 80.4 Australian cents per share dividend. And at the latest BHP share price of $39.24, this will mean a 2% dividend yield for investors.
Ex-dividend date
As I mentioned at the top, in order to receive this fully franked interim dividend when it is paid to shareholders, you will need to be on BHP's share register before the ex-dividend date. This will be in two days on Thursday 6 March.
This essentially means that you will need to own the miner's shares before the market close on Wednesday to qualify. Buying shares any later than that will mean you are not eligible to receive the dividend and instead the rights will stay with the seller of its shares.
If you do buy BHP shares in time, then you can look forward to pay day later this month on 27 March.
What's next?
According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are expecting a 52 US cents per share fully franked final dividend with its full year results in August.
This will mean total dividends of 102 US cents (164 Australian cents) for FY 2025, which represents a fully franked 4.2% dividend yield.
Goldman also sees plenty of upside for its shares. It has a buy rating and $47.40 price target on them, which implies potential upside of 21% for investors over the next 12 months.
