So, you're looking at the woodside petroleum limited share price and wondering if the wheels are falling off or if this is just the usual energy market roller coaster. Honestly, it’s a bit of both. If you've been checking your portfolio lately, you’ll notice the ticker says WDS, not WPL. They dropped the "Petroleum" for "Energy" back in 2022, but let's be real—most of us still search for the old name.
Right now, as we sit in January 2026, Woodside is in a weird spot. The stock has been hovering around the $23.50 to $24.00 AUD mark on the ASX. It’s a far cry from those $30+ glory days we saw a couple of years ago. Morgan Stanley recently trimmed their price target to $26.00, which kind of tells you everything you need to know about the current sentiment. It isn't a disaster, but nobody is throwing a parade either.
What is actually moving the woodside petroleum limited share price?
Prices don't just move because of vibes. Well, sometimes they do, but with Woodside, it's usually about three things: gas, growth, and the ghost of Meg O’Neill’s leadership.
Meg O’Neill, the CEO who steered the ship through the massive BHP petroleum merger, recently called it quits to head over to BP. That was a massive curveball. The board tapped Liz Westcott as the Acting CEO in December 2025, and the market is basically holding its breath to see if she’s just a seat-warmer or the long-term fix. Markets hate uncertainty. When a "steady hand" leaves, the share price usually feels the tremors.
📖 Related: CA Tax Calculator 2025: Why Your Paycheck Might Look Different This Year
Then you've got the Scarborough Energy Project. This is Woodside’s "big bet."
It’s currently over 91% complete. The Floating Production Unit (FPU) actually just arrived in Australian waters a few days ago. If they hit that "first gas" target in the second half of 2026, the woodside petroleum limited share price might finally get the boost it’s been looking for. But if there’s a delay? Ouch.
The dividend trap (or treasure?)
Most people hold Woodside for the dividends. It’s kind of the "Old Faithful" of the ASX.
- The Yield: We’re looking at an expected dividend yield of about 7% right now.
- The Payout: The next big date is March 9, 2026. That's the ex-dividend date for a projected $0.53 USD payment.
- The Currency Factor: Remember, Woodside pays in USD. If the Aussie dollar is weak, those dividends feel like a nice bonus. If it’s strong, they shrink.
But here’s the kicker. Woodside has a policy of paying out 50% to 80% of their underlying profit. If oil and gas prices stay suppressed because of global oversupply or a warm winter in Europe, that profit shrinks.
You can't pay out what you don't earn.
Honestly, the "Woodside Petroleum" of ten years ago was a simpler beast. Today, they're juggling massive projects in Mexico (Trion), the US (Louisiana LNG), and trying to figure out if hydrogen is actually going to make them money or just look good in a sustainability report.
Why the "Petroleum" name still haunts the price
The rebranding to Woodside Energy Group wasn't just a marketing gimmick. It was a survival tactic. Institutional investors—the big funds that actually move the needle—are under massive pressure to dump "petroleum" stocks.
💡 You might also like: BTP France News Today: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Recovery
By changing the name, Woodside tried to signal they are "energy," not just "oil."
But the market sees through it. 100%. The share price still tracks the Brent Crude oil price and JKM gas markers more than anything else. When those prices dip, WDS dips. It’s a direct link.
A quick look at the numbers
The 52-week high was around $27.30, while the low hit a painful $18.61.
If you bought at the bottom, you're laughing. If you bought at the top, you're probably checking the woodside petroleum limited share price every twenty minutes hoping for a miracle. The P/E ratio is sitting around 10.2, which is... fine. It's not expensive, but it's not a screaming bargain either compared to global peers like Shell or Chevron.
Is it time to buy or run?
Look, I'm an expert writer, not your financial advisor. But here is the reality of the situation in 2026.
Woodside is a cash-generating monster. They just signed a winter supply deal with JERA in Japan and a long-term contract with BOTAŞ in Türkiye. They are locking in revenue for years to come.
The downside? Litigation. Environmental groups are constantly at their throat over the Murujuga rock art and carbon emissions. Every time a court case pops up, the share price takes a $0.50 hit just on the headline alone.
What to watch in the coming months
- Scarborough Milestones: If you see news about the pipeline being finished or the FPU being hooked up without a hitch, that’s a green flag.
- The New CEO Search: If they hire a "green" CEO, expect the traditionalists to sell. If they hire an "oil man," expect the ESG funds to exit.
- Gas Prices: If 2026 turns out to be a volatile year for global energy, Woodside’s volatility will follow.
The woodside petroleum limited share price is basically a proxy for how you feel about the transition from fossil fuels to whatever comes next. It’s a high-yield play with a lot of heavy machinery and political baggage attached to it.
Actionable steps for your portfolio
If you are holding WDS or thinking about jumping in, don't just stare at the daily chart.
💡 You might also like: Why 2919 Route 206 Columbus New Jersey is Actually a Logistics Powerhouse
First, check the ex-dividend dates. If you’re in it for the income, you need to own the shares before that March 9 cutoff. Second, keep an eye on the "First LNG" announcements for Scarborough. That is the single biggest catalyst on the horizon. Finally, look at the USD/AUD exchange rate. Since they earn and pay in US dollars, a sliding Aussie dollar is actually your best friend in this specific trade.
It’s a lumpy ride, but Woodside has survived worse than a leadership change and a name swap. Just don't expect it to double overnight. This is a slow-burn energy play, plain and simple.
Next Steps for Investors:
Verify your holdings: Ensure you are tracking the correct ticker (WDS) and not relying on outdated WPL data.
Monitor the Scarborough FPU: Watch for the commencement of commissioning activities in the North West Shelf, as this is the primary driver for 2026 capital growth.
Calculate your yield on cost: Given the currency fluctuations, determine your actual dividend return in AUD to see if the 7% headline yield meets your personal income requirements after tax and fees.
Stay updated on the CEO appointment: The transition from Liz Westcott to a permanent leader will likely redefine the company's 2030 strategy and impact long-term valuation.