Why is the Woodside share price racing higher in today's falling market?

Investors are piling into Woodside shares today. But why?

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Key points

  • Woodside Energy's share price rose by 3.2% following its September quarterly update.
  • Investors appear interested in Woodside's upgraded full-year production forecast of up to 197 MMboe and reduced production cost guidance, buoyed by strong performance from its Sangomar oil field.
  • CEO Meg O’Niell confirmed progress on major growth projects, including the Scarborough Energy and Beaumont New Ammonia projects, with the company maintaining a stable trajectory towards future production targets.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock closed yesterday trading for $22.39. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $23.11 apiece, up 3.2%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.8% at this same time.

Today's strong outperformance follows the release of Woodside's September quarterly update (Q3 2025).

Here's what's stoking ASX investor interest.

Woodside share price lifts on production boost

For the three months to 30 September, Woodside reported production of 50.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). That's up 1% from the prior quarter, though down 4% from Q3 2024.

Quarterly sales volumes also ticked up 1% from the last quarter to 55 Mmboe. Sales volumes were 2% below Q3 2024.

The Woodside share price also looks to be catching tailwinds today, with the company reporting a 3% quarter-on-quarter increase in revenue to US$3.36 billion.

And the company achieved an average realised price of US$60 per barrel of oil equivalent in Q3, up 2% from Q2 2025, though down 8% from Q3 2024.

Investors will also have picked up on Woodside's full calendar year 2025 guidance upgrade.

Citing continued strong performance across its assets, the ASX 200 energy stock is now forecasting full-year production of 192 to 197 Mmboe, up from the prior guidance of 188 to 195 Mmboe.

And with ongoing strong performance from its Sangomar offshore oil field in Senegal, Woodside lowered its full-year unit production cost guidance to $7.6 to $8.1 per barrel of oil equivalent (boe). That's down from prior cost guidance of $8 to $8.5 per boe.

What did management say?

Commenting on the quarterly results lifting the Woodside share price today, CEO Meg O'Niell said, "We continued safe delivery of Woodside's major growth projects to schedule and budget."

As for those growth projects, she noted:

Strong momentum on delivery of the Scarborough Energy Project continues, which is now 91% complete and on track for first LNG in the second half of 2026…

Our Beaumont New Ammonia Project is 97% complete, with key systems now operational and commissioning activities underway. We continue to target first ammonia production in late 2025.

Our Louisiana LNG Project, comprising three trains, has ramped up with more than 1,000 personnel now on site and construction is 19% complete.

With today's intraday lift factored in, the Woodside share price is down 6% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

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