DO pays the big divi, NE pays a pittance.

NE paid all of one special dividend over a year ago before dumping that thought. The market was not amused by the change of direction. I wasn't too happy at the time either, get half a buck once, give up five when they quit paying...

Different divi policies attract different folks, and the drillers offer a very clear menu. RIG has made it clear what they'll do, and it's not dividends. DO's got a majority owner who wants/needs the money, so they pay it out.