Earn ₹90,000 Yearly on a ₹10 Lakh Investment: Top 5 PSU Stocks Crushing Bank FD Rates in 2026
Mumbai: In an era where traditional Fixed Deposits (FDs) are struggling to keep pace with inflation—averaging a modest 6.5% to 7.2%—smart Indian investors are looking elsewhere. The secret? High-Yield PSUs. As of early 2026, several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are sitting on record cash piles, driven by India’s massive infrastructure push. These government-backed giants are mandated to return a significant portion of their profits to shareholders, creating a "Golden Era" for dividend seekers.
Here is the deep-dive research into the Top 5 PSU stocks that are currently crushing FD returns.
The "High-Yield Five" of 2026
| Rank | PSU Company | Sector | Projected Dividend Yield (2026) | Dividend Payout Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coal India (CIL) | Mining | 8.8% – 9.2% | 2–3 Times per Year |
| 2 | REC Limited | Finance | 7.9% – 8.4% | Quarterly / Interim |
| 3 | Power Finance Corporation (PFC) | Finance | 7.6% – 8.1% | Quarterly / Interim |
| 4 | NMDC | Mining (Iron Ore) | 6.9% – 7.5% | Bi-Annual |
| 5 | GAIL (India) | Natural Gas | 6.7% – 7.3% | Bi-Annual |
Why These PSUs are Dominating in 2026
1. Coal India: The Undisputed King
With India's peak power demand hitting record highs in 2026, Coal India’s cash reserves have ballooned. The company has a policy of distributing nearly 70-80% of its PAT (Profit After Tax). At a yield of over 9%, an investment of ₹10 Lakhs in CIL could fetch you approximately ₹90,000 annually, compared to just ₹70,000 in an FD.
2. REC & PFC: The Energy Financiers
As the primary lenders for India's "Green Energy Mission," these NBFCs are earning high-interest margins. They have consistently outperformed the Nifty 50 in dividend consistency, making them a staple for retired investors seeking monthly/quarterly income.
3. NMDC: The Iron Pillar
With the construction boom in full swing, NMDC’s iron ore sales are at an all-time high. Their debt-free balance sheet allows them to reward shareholders generously even during market volatility.
FD vs. PSU Dividends: The Wealth Gap
While an FD offers capital protection, it lacks capital appreciation. If you invest in a PSU:
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Dividend: You get a steady yield (e.g., 8%).
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Stock Growth: In 2025-26, many PSU stocks grew by 15-20% in price.
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Total Return: You could potentially see 25%+ annual returns, whereas an FD remains capped at 7%.
