Nik Burns's questions to Woodside Energy Group Ltd (WDS) leadership • H1 2025
Question
Nik Burns of Jarden Australia Pty Limited questioned the decision to maintain a high dividend payout ratio while gearing is at the upper end of its target range. He also asked about the gas hub exposure being below full-year guidance in H1 and what would drive the H2 increase.
Answer
Executive VP & CFO Graham Tiver explained the dividend is supported by strong underlying performance, cost control, and portfolio optimization like the Stone Peak deal. CEO Meg O’Neill added that H2 gas hub sales will increase to meet full-year guidance, noting the significant price premium achieved on such sales is supported by current market dynamics.