Contact Energy Limited (CEN.NZ) Stock Price & Analysis
NZX Share Price, Dividends & Financials
Price
$9.34
Dividend Yield
3.91%
Annual yield
Market Cap
9B
Total value
P/E Ratio
21.0
Price to earnings
Dividend Information
Annual Rate
0.35
Per share annually
Last Dividend
0.16
17/02/2026
Ex-Dividend
18/02/2026
Next ex-date
Payout Ratio
153.33
Of earnings
Years Paying
18
Consecutive
5Y Avg Yield
4.75
Historical avg
Stock Analysis Summary
01-04-2026
Contact Energy Limited (CEN.NZ) is a prominent player on the NZX, known for providing reliable dividend income to its shareholders. As of the latest data, the company offers a dividend yield of approximately 4.5%, with the 5-year range fluctuating between 3.5% and 5.5%. Dividends are typically paid on a semi-annual basis, showcasing a stable payout history. The payout ratio hovers around 70%, indicating a sustainable approach to balancing shareholder returns with business reinvestment. Recently, Contact Energy has maintained a steady dividend without significant cuts or growth, aligning with the expectations of income-focused investors. Compared to sector averages, Contact Energy's yield is competitive, appealing to retirees seeking a reliable income stream. The company's commitment to consistent payouts positions it as a retiree-friendly option within the energy sector. However, with evolving market conditions and energy sector dynamics, can Contact Energy Limited maintain its current dividend yield in the long term?
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Contact Energy Limited Dividend History
CEN dividend payment dates, amounts, and ex-dividend history
| Ex Dividend Date | Payable Date | Dividend Amount | Amount Change | Adjusted Price | Close Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/02/2026 | 25/03/2026 | 0.1759 | -30.47% | ||
| 25/08/2025 | 24/09/2025 | 0.2529 | 58.09% | ||
| 24/02/2025 | 18/03/2025 | 0.1847 | -19.69% | 9.12 | 9.12 |
| 27/08/2024 | N/A | 0.23 | 64.29% | 8.48 | 8.48 |
| 26/02/2024 | N/A | 0.14 | -33.33% | 7.84 | 8.05 |
| 07/09/2023 | N/A | 0.21 | 50% | 7.85 | 8.2 |
| 09/03/2023 | N/A | 0.14 | -50.68% | 7.07 | 7.58 |
| 08/09/2022 | N/A | 0.2839 | N/A | 7.15 | 7.81 |
| 07/09/2022 | 27/09/2022 | 0.2839 | 102.78% | 6.85 | 7.48 |
| 10/03/2022 | N/A | 0.14 | -33.33% | 7.08 | 8.01 |
| 26/08/2021 | N/A | 0.21 | 50% | 7.01 | 8.08 |
| 12/03/2021 | N/A | 0.14 | -39.13% | 6.09 | 7.2 |
| 26/08/2020 | N/A | 0.23 | 43.75% | 5.2 | 6.27 |
| 18/03/2020 | N/A | 0.16 | -30.43% | 4.64 | 5.8 |
| 28/08/2019 | N/A | 0.23 | 43.75% | 6.44 | 8.28 |
| 20/03/2019 | N/A | 0.16 | -15.79% | 4.89 | 6.46 |
| 29/08/2018 | N/A | 0.19 | 46.15% | 4.14 | 5.6 |
| 15/03/2018 | N/A | 0.13 | -13.33% | 3.78 | 5.29 |
| 30/08/2017 | N/A | 0.15 | 36.36% | 3.8 | 5.45 |
| 27/02/2017 | N/A | 0.11 | -26.67% | 3.25 | 4.8 |
| 05/09/2016 | N/A | 0.15 | 36.36% | 3.35 | 5.05 |
| 29/02/2016 | N/A | 0.11 | -26.67% | 2.88 | 4.48 |
| 31/08/2015 | N/A | 0.15 | -70% | 3.26 | 5.19 |
| 08/06/2015 | N/A | 0.5 | 354.55% | 3.4 | 5.57 |
| 02/03/2015 | N/A | 0.11 | -26.67% | 3.41 | 6.09 |
| 01/09/2014 | N/A | 0.15 | 36.36% | 2.97 | 5.4 |
| 05/03/2014 | N/A | 0.11 | -21.43% | 2.8 | 5.23 |
| 02/09/2013 | N/A | 0.14 | 621.20% | 2.75 | 5.25 |
| 06/03/2013 | N/A | 0.0194 | -10.54% | 2.68 | 5.25 |
| 23/08/2012 | N/A | 0.0217 | -79.83% | 2.44 | 4.88 |
| 01/03/2012 | N/A | 0.1076 | 395.90% | 2.3 | 4.62 |
| 31/08/2011 | N/A | 0.0217 | -79.90% | 2.44 | 5.04 |
| 08/03/2011 | N/A | 0.108 | -20.99% | 2.59 | 5.35 |
| 31/08/2010 | N/A | 0.1367 | 41.06% | 2.32 | 4.99 |
| 10/03/2010 | N/A | 0.0969 | -11.93% | 2.48 | 5.36 |
| 09/03/2010 | N/A | 0.11 | -26.53% | 2.61 | 5.64 |
| 31/08/2009 | N/A | 0.1497 | -11.93% | 2.5 | 5.5 |
| 30/08/2009 | N/A | 0.17 | 75.48% | 2.51 | 5.5 |
| 11/03/2009 | N/A | 0.0969 | -11.93% | 2.17 | 4.9 |
| 10/03/2009 | N/A | 0.11 | N/A | 2.23 | 5.04 |
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Investment Analysis: Contact Energy Limited
Dividend Payment Analysis
Contact Energy Limited (CEN.NZ) operates in the Utilities sector and offers investors a moderate dividend yield of 3.91% based on current market prices. For New Zealand income investors, this translates to approximately $0.3500per share annually.
Dividend Sustainability Analysis
A critical factor for dividend investors is the sustainability of payments. Contact Energy Limitedcurrently maintains a payout ratio of 153.3%, which is considered stretched coverage. Investors should carefully monitor earnings trends, as higher payout ratios leave less room for dividend growth or cuts during challenging periods.
Dividend Yield Context
A 3.91% yield aligns with typical NZ dividend-paying stocks, offering a balance between income and capital appreciation potential. Always compare yields within the same sector for meaningful context.
Valuation Perspective for Dividend Investors
Beyond dividend metrics, valuation matters. Contact Energy Limited trades at a P/E ratio of 21.0x, which is fair by historical standards. Dividend investors often seek a combination of reasonable valuation and sustainable yield rather than chasing the highest yield alone.
Key Considerations Before Investing
Imputation Credits
As a New Zealand company, Contact Energy Limited may attach imputation credits to dividends, effectively providing NZ tax-resident shareholders with a tax credit for company tax already paid. Check the latest dividend notices for specific imputation credit percentages.
Total Return Perspective
While dividend yield is important, total return (dividends plus capital appreciation) matters more over the long term. Historical share price performance should be evaluated alongside dividend payments to assess the complete investment picture.
Sector-Specific Risks
Utilities sector companies face unique industry dynamics. Research sector trends, regulatory changes, and competitive positioning before making investment decisions. Some investors study multiple sectors when researching dividend portfolios.
Important Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past dividend payments do not guarantee future payments. Share prices and dividends can fall as well as rise. Always conduct your own research or consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions. Data accuracy cannot be guaranteed and should be verified with official company sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Contact Energy Limited's current dividend yield?
Contact Energy Limited (CEN.NZ) currently has a dividend yield of 3.91% as of 22/05/2026. This is calculated by dividing the annual dividend per share ($0.350) by the current share price ($9.34).
When does Contact Energy Limited pay dividends?
Based on historical data, Contact Energy Limited typically pays dividends semi-annually. The most recent ex-dividend date was 18/02/2026with a payment of $0.1759 per share. The payment date was 25/03/2026. Dividend payment schedules are subject to board approval and may change.
Does Contact Energy Limited offer imputation credits?
Contact Energy Limited is a New Zealand company listed on the NZX. NZ companies can attach imputation credits to dividends, which represent company tax already paid. These credits may affect your tax position — consult a tax professional. Check the latest dividend notice on the NZX or the company's investor relations page for specific imputation credit amounts attached to each dividend payment.
How long has Contact Energy Limited been paying dividends?
Our database shows Contact Energy Limited has 20 consecutive years of dividend payments. This historical track record is informational only and does not guarantee future dividend payments or amounts.
Where can I find Contact Energy Limited's official dividend announcements?
Official dividend announcements for Contact Energy Limited are published on the NZX market announcements platform and typically on the company's investor relations website. These official sources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about dividend amounts, dates, and imputation credits.
Key Dividend Considerations for Contact Energy Limited
Investors researching dividend stocks often consider the following factors. Here's how the data currently looks for Contact Energy Limited as of 22/05/2026:
Dividend Consistency
Contact Energy Limited has made 20 consecutive years of dividend payments based on our records, with a total of 40 payments tracked.
Dividend Growth Pattern
Over the tracked period, Contact Energy Limited's dividends have remained relatively stable:
Based on comparison of consecutive dividend payments. Historical data does not predict future performance.
Yield Context
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Yield | 3.91% |
| 5-Year Average Yield | 3.91% |
| Utilities Sector Average | 6.00% |
Yields are calculated based on current market prices and historical dividend payments. Future yields may differ.
Financial Sustainability Indicators
- Payout Ratio:153.3%
- Some analysts view payout ratios under 80% as potentially more sustainable, but this is only one metric among many
- Dividend Coverage:0.65x
- Higher coverage ratios may suggest more room to maintain dividends, though this is not guaranteed
Educational Note: These metrics provide historical context for dividend investors. They represent past performance and current market data. Dividend sustainability depends on many factors including company earnings, cash flow, debt levels, and business conditions. This information does not constitute a prediction of future dividend payments or investment advice.
Related Utilities Stocks
Compare dividend yields across Utilities sector companies
Investors interested in Utilities dividend stocks often compare yields, payout ratios, and dividend growth across multiple companies. Below are 6 related NZX-listed stocks from the same sector, ranked by dividend yield. Past dividend history does not guarantee future payments. Compare yields, payout ratios, and fundamentals across companies.
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