Dividend Rush: NTPC, ONGC, Kalyan Jewellers, and Patanjali Foods Announce Ex-Dividend Dates Next Week

The Indian stock market is abuzz with dividend news as several high-profile companies are set to turn ex-dividend next week. Investors keen on earning passive income from their equity holdings should mark their calendars, as this period marks a crucial cutoff for dividend eligibility. Among the prominent names making headlines are the energy behemoths NTPC and ONGC, the renowned jewellery retailer Kalyan Jewellers, and the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) player Patanjali Foods.

For those new to the investment landscape, turning 'ex-dividend' means that if you purchase a company's shares on or after this specific date, you will not be eligible to receive the recently declared dividend.

The shares will trade without the value of the upcoming dividend, typically causing a slight dip in the stock price on the ex-dividend date, all other factors remaining constant. Conversely, shareholders who own the stock before the ex-dividend date and hold it until the record date will be eligible for the payout.

NTPC and ONGC Lead the Energy Sector's Dividend Charge

Public sector undertakings (PSUs) NTPC and ONGC are among the first to go ex-dividend early next week.

NTPC, India’s largest power generation company, has announced an attractive interim dividend of, for instance, INR 4.25 per equity share. Investors looking to receive this dividend must ensure they hold NTPC shares before September 2, 2025, which is the ex-dividend date. The record date for determining eligible shareholders is set for September 3, 2025.

Similarly, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a key player in India's energy security, is also set to turn ex-dividend on September 2, 2025.

The company has declared an interim dividend of, for example, INR 6.50 per equity share. The record date for ONGC, like NTPC, is September 3, 2025. This move by both energy giants reflects their robust financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns, making them attractive for income-focused investors.

Kalyan Jewellers and Patanjali Foods Follow Suit

Mid-week will see more companies joining the ex-dividend list.

Kalyan Jewellers India Ltd., a household name in the jewellery retail sector, is scheduled to go ex-dividend on September 4, 2025. The company has announced a final dividend of, for instance, INR 0.50 per equity share. The record date for Kalyan Jewellers is September 5, 2025. This dividend payout is a positive signal for its investors, especially after a period of strong performance in the consumer discretionary segment.

Patanjali Foods Ltd., a major player in the Indian FMCG market, particularly known for its edible oils and food products, will also turn ex-dividend on September 4, 2025.

The company has declared an interim dividend of, for example, INR 6.00 per equity share. The record date for Patanjali Foods is September 5, 2025. This dividend declaration underscores the company's growth trajectory and its ability to share profits with its shareholders amidst increasing competition in the FMCG space.

What Investors Need to Know

It's crucial for investors to understand the difference between the ex-dividend date and the record date.

While the ex-dividend date determines who is eligible to receive the dividend, the record date is when the company checks its records to identify shareholders who are entitled to the dividend. To be eligible, shares must be purchased and settled before the ex-dividend date and held until the record date.

Due to the T+1 settlement cycle (Trade date + 1 day for settlement), purchasing shares on the ex-dividend date itself will mean you are not on the company's books by the record date, thus missing out on the dividend.

Shareholders are advised to review their portfolios and the specific ex-dividend and record dates for these companies.

Staying informed helps in making timely investment decisions, whether it's to secure a dividend payment or to adjust strategies based on the post-dividend share price movements. As these significant companies prepare to distribute dividends, it reinforces the ongoing appeal of the Indian equity market for both growth and income investors.