Mumbai, February 5, 2026 — Investors in India’s stock market are gearing up for one of the most lucrative weeks of the year as several major companies, including NTPC Ltd. and NALCO, prepare to pay dividends. Today marks the final day to purchase shares for eligibility to receive dividends from these companies, making it a crucial moment for investors looking for steady returns.
Why Today is Important
Companies set a record date to determine which shareholders are entitled to receive dividends. Shares purchased after the ex-dividend date do not qualify for dividend payouts. Therefore, investors who want to benefit from dividends must ensure their shares are in their demat accounts before today.
Key Companies Paying Dividends
A total of 24 companies have declared or are scheduled to declare dividends this week. Some of the prominent names include:
| Company | Dividend Type | Record / Ex-Date |
|---|---|---|
| NTPC Ltd. | Interim / Final | Feb 6, 2026 |
| NALCO | Interim | Feb 5, 2026 |
| GAIL (India) Ltd. | Dividend | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Sun Pharma | Interim | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Nestlé India | Interim | Feb 6, 2026 |
| BPCL | Interim | Feb 2, 2026 |
| Apollo Tyres Ltd. | Interim | Feb 10, 2026 |
Tip: Buying shares on or before the record date is essential to become eligible for dividends.
Public Sector Companies and Dividend Trends
State-owned enterprises (PSUs) in India are known for regular dividend payouts, providing both stable income and long-term portfolio growth.
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NTPC Ltd. has consistently declared dividends for over three decades. For FY 2024-25, the company paid out ₹8,096 crore in dividends, including both interim and final payouts.
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NALCO (National Aluminium Company) announced an interim dividend of ₹4 per share for FY 2025-26, emphasizing its commitment to shareholder returns.
Such PSUs remain popular among conservative investors seeking steady returns along with long-term growth potential.
Investor Tips for Dividend Season
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Buy Before Record Date: To qualify for dividends, ensure shares are held at least one day before the ex-dividend date.
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Check Dividend Value: Verify the amount and type of dividend (interim/final) declared.
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Consider Market Movements: Share prices often adjust after dividends are declared, so plan purchases strategically.
Investors should also consider the company’s fundamentals and growth prospects rather than focusing solely on dividends.
Outlook
With a combination of government-backed PSUs and blue-chip private companies paying dividends this week, today presents a significant opportunity for investors to lock in returns. Companies like NTPC, NALCO, GAIL, and Sun Pharma are particularly attractive due to their strong dividend history and robust financial performance.
Note: Investors should consult their financial advisors and assess risk tolerance before making investment decisions.