Here's the Rio Tinto dividend forecast through to 2026

Here's what analysts are forecasting for the miner's dividend.

| More on:
A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares have long been a popular option for income investors.

And it isn't hard to understand why.

The mining giant generates billions of dollars in free cash flow each year. It then uses this cash to reward its shareholders with dividend payments.

And while the size of the dividend may change regularly in response to commodity prices, the yields on offer with its shares are usually significantly greater than the market average.

This looks set to be the case again in 2024 following the release of the miner's full-year results.

Last week, Rio Tinto's board released its results and declared a fully franked final dividend per share of US$2.58 per share (A$3.96 per share). This was a 14.7% increase on the prior corresponding period and brought its full-year dividend to US$4.35 per share (A$6.67 per share).

Based on the latest Rio Tinto share price, this equates to yields of 3.2% for its final dividend and 5.4% for the full year.

But what's next for the Rio Tinto dividend?

The good news for income investors is that there could be bigger dividends to come from Rio Tinto in the coming years.

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are now forecasting a modest increase to US$4.39 per share (A$6.73 per share) in FY 2024. This will mean a fully franked 5.45% dividend yield for investors.

A larger increase is expected in FY 2025, with Goldman expecting the miner to pay out US$4.61 per share (A$7.07 per share). If this proves accurate, it would mean a yield of 5.7% for investors.

Finally, in FY 2026, the broker expects the Rio Tinto dividend to be trimmed to US$4.55 per share (A$6.98 per share). This will still mean an attractive fully franked 5.65% dividend yield.

Goldman Sachs has a buy rating and $138.30 price target on the miner's shares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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.

More on Share Market News

A piggy bank on the cloud in the blue sky symbolising a record high share price.
52-Week Highs

12 ASX 200 shares that smashed historical peak prices today

Twelve ASX 200 shares rose to new multi-year peaks in an otherwise quiet day of trading.

Read more »

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors saw another day of mild gains for the stock market this Thursday.

Read more »

Two boats on the water with crates with the words trade war in the middle.
Share Market News

Trump's tariffs blocked by trade court: Which ASX 200 stocks could benefit the most?

These 3 ASX 200 stocks have heavy tariffs exposure.

Read more »

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.
Broker Notes

How this undervalued ASX All Ords share could rocket 80% in a year

A leading fund manager expects a big turnaround for this beaten-down ASX All Ords stock.

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why Champion Iron, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, St Barbara, and Woodside shares are charging higher today

These shares are having a good session today. But why are investors buying them?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why ALS, Black Cat, Boss Energy, and Soul Patts shares are falling today

These shares are falling on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A car dealer stands amid a selection of cars parked in a showroom.
Broker Notes

Up 77% in a year, guess how much more upside Macquarie tips for Eagers Automotive shares

Macquarie released its latest analysis on Eagers Automotive fast rising shares this morning.

Read more »

Boy looks quizzical standing in front of a graph.
Share Market News

Big ASX 200 news! Stock market whipsaws as Trump's tariffs struck down

Markets initially surged on news that Trump's tariffs are out.

Read more »