Woodside Energy (WDS) Looks to Improve Analyst Sentiment With New Non-Operated Oil Discovery at Bandit-1 Site

With strong revenue growth projections, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS) secures a spot on our list of the best long-term ASX stocks to buy right now.

Woodside Energy (WDS) Looks to Improve Analyst Sentiment With New Non-Operated Oil Discovery at Bandit-1 Site

As of April 15, 2026, analyst sentiment remains mixed on Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS), with a consensus price target of $23.10, implying just 1.6% upside.

That cautious backdrop has placed extra importance on Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS)’s newest operating update, particularly for investors evaluating the best ASX stocks to buy.

On April 10, 2026, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS) reported a non-operated oil discovery at the Bandit-1 site in the Gulf of America, where the well found high-quality Miocene sands that included oil.

In addition to operators Occidental and Chevron, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS) has a 17.5% working interest in the discovery, which is currently being studied for next steps.

Significantly, Bandit may be tied back to adjacent subsea infrastructure, which might increase the discovery’s commercial appeal, while highlighting the importance of methodical exploration in well-established basins with more defined development routes.

That exploration upside also coincides with a leadership transition at Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS).

On March 18, 2026, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS) formally appointed Liz Westcott as CEO and Managing Director after she had been serving as acting CEO since December 2025.

Management has outlined Liz Westcott’s mandate as focused on driving sustainable shareholder value, maintaining operational discipline, and executing growth projects effectively.

This provides investors with improved transparency into leadership as Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS) continues to advance its portfolio and project pipeline.

Founded in Australia, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE:WDS) is a global energy company with a portfolio that includes quality oil and gas assets and interests in Australia, the Gulf of Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Senegal, Timor-Leste, Canada, and Barbados.

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