Don't Miss Out! Key Market Dates: 9 Stocks Going Ex-Dividend, Bonus, Split on Oct 10

For savvy investors, staying ahead of market dates is crucial. As October 10 approaches, a significant date for nine prominent stocks on the Indian bourses, it's essential to understand the implications of their upcoming corporate actions: ex-dividend, ex-bonus, and ex-split. These events can directly impact shareholder value and require attention from those looking to optimize their portfolios.

Let's delve into what each of these terms means before we explore the companies in question.

An ex-dividend date is the day on or after which a stock trades without its dividend value.

If you buy a stock on or after this date, you won't be entitled to the upcoming dividend payment. Conversely, if you own the stock before this date, you will receive the dividend.

A stock going ex-bonus signifies that the company is issuing additional shares to existing shareholders without any additional cost, based on a specified ratio.

To be eligible for these bonus shares, an investor must hold the shares before the ex-bonus date.

Similarly, an ex-split date is when a company's stock begins trading at its new, split-adjusted price. A stock split increases the number of outstanding shares while reducing the price per share proportionally, making shares more accessible and liquid without altering the total market capitalization of an investor's holdings.

To receive the split shares, investors must own the stock before the ex-split date.

Here are the nine stocks making headlines with their corporate actions scheduled for October 10:

• Asian Energy Services: This company has declared a final dividend of 5%, which translates to Rs 0.50 per equity share.

  Shareholders holding shares before October 10 will be eligible for this payout.

• Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC): A popular choice among investors, IRFC is set to pay an interim dividend of Rs 0.80 per share. This is a key date for those looking to benefit from its dividend yield.

• Kalyani Steels: The company announced an interim dividend of Rs 10 per equity share.

  Investors should ensure they hold shares by the record date to qualify for this substantial payout.

• Bharat Bijlee: Another company offering a generous interim dividend, Bharat Bijlee will be distributing Rs 20 per share. This makes it an attractive option for income-focused investors.

• Can Fin Homes: This housing finance major is undertaking a bonus issue in a 1:2 ratio.

  This means for every two shares an investor holds, they will receive one additional bonus share, enhancing their overall equity holding.

• Mastek: Technology solutions provider Mastek is initiating a stock split in a 1:5 ratio. Each existing share will be divided into five new shares, effectively reducing the per-share price and potentially increasing liquidity and retail investor participation.

• Shanthi Gears: The company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 2 per equity share, providing a steady return for its shareholders.

• Sudarshan Chemical Industries: Shareholders can look forward to an interim dividend of Rs 2.50 per share from this specialty chemical company.

• Steel Strips Wheels: This automotive wheel manufacturer will be paying an interim dividend of Rs 1.50 per share, adding to the returns for its investors.

These corporate actions highlight the ongoing efforts by companies to return value to shareholders, either through direct cash payouts (dividends) or by restructuring their equity base (bonus issues and stock splits).

Investors are advised to consult their financial advisors and conduct their due diligence to understand how these events align with their individual investment strategies. Missing these dates could mean missing out on potential benefits, so mark October 10 in your investment calendar!