The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has enjoyed strong returns over the past few years. When looking back at the company's 5-year chart, its shares have surged by more than 330%.
However, investors are just as focused on the dividends received from Fortescue every 6 months. The blue chip company is well-known within the investing world for paying juicy dividends to its shareholders.
With that in mind, we look at how the Fortescue dividend compares to its peers.
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What dividends can shareholders expect from Fortescue this month?
According to Goldman Sachs, its analysts are expecting another big dividend payout when the company reports later this month.
The broker is forecasting the mining giant to pay a total of US$2.70 per share in dividends for FY21. In March 2021, US$1.47 per share was paid to shareholders. This means that the remaining US$1.23 per share will be distributed to shareholders over this earnings season.
Furthermore, Goldman Sachs is predicting that Fortescue will pay dividends per share of US$2.64 in FY22, and US$1.48 in FY23.
Based on the current Fortescue share price of $21.58, this translates to a dividend yield of 16.86%, and 9.45%, respectively. FY21's dividend yield stands at 17.23%.
How does the Fortescue dividend compare to its sector?
The Fortescue dividend compares favourably to its peers, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO).
For example, Goldman Sachs is predicting BHP to pay fully-franked dividends per share of US$2.89 in FY21, US$4.46 in FY22, and US$4.00 in FY23.
Based on the current BHP share price of $51.33, this implies a dividend yield of 7.75%, 11.98%, and 10.73%, respectively.
Next up, Rio Tinto is also expected to pay big fully-franked dividends, matching the major miners.
Goldman Sachs has flagged Rio Tinto will pay dividends of US$13.40 in FY21, US$12.50 in FY22, and US$10.90 in FY23.
Again, based on the closing Rio Tinto share price of $116.37, this equates to dividends yields of 15.87%, 14.80%, and 12.90%, respectively.
Do analysts think the Fortescue share price is a buy?
Goldman Sachs slapped a sell rating on Fortescue shares late last month. The broker indicated that the company's share price has pushed ahead of its actual valuation.
In response, Goldman Sachs put a 12-month price target on Fortescue shares at $19.90. This implies a downside of roughly 8% on the miner's most recent share price.
