Vedanta’s First Interim Dividend for FY26: What Investors Need to Know
Mining giant Vedanta announces ₹7 per share interim dividend for FY26, sets June 24 as record date, and offloads 1.6% stake in Hindustan Zinc to boost financial flexibility.
Introduction
Vedanta Limited has declared its initial interim dividend for the financial year 2025-26 at ₹7 per share with June 24, 2025, as the record date. On the same day, Vedanta sold a 1.6% stake in its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc, raising over ₹3,000 crore, a move aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and supporting its ongoing demerger plans. This article explores the implications of these developments for investors and the company’s future outlook.
Vedanta’s Dividend Announcement: Key Details
Vedanta’s Board has decided to give a first interim dividend of ₹7 per share for FY 2025-26 to investors. The total outlay for this dividend is nearly around ₹2,737 Crs. Shareholders recorded as of June 24, 2025, will be entitled to receive the dividend, which is expected to be distributed within the regulatory timeframe, generally within 30 days from the announcement.
This move continues Vedanta’s tradition of rewarding shareholders with consistent dividends. In FY25 alone, the company paid out ₹17,000 crore in dividends, translating to ₹43.5 per share. Over the past four years, Vedanta has cumulatively distributed more than ₹200 per share in dividends, underscoring its commitment to shareholder returns.
Hindustan Zinc Stake Divestment: Strengthening Balance Sheet
Vedanta Limited also offloaded a 1.6% stake in Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), raising approximately ₹3,028 crore from the transaction. The transaction, involving the sale of 66.7 million shares via the secondary market, was primarily directed at institutional buyers. This move aligns with Vedanta’s ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at creating independent, sector-centric businesses while boosting its overall financial agility.
The capital raised from the stake sale is intended to help de-leverage Vedanta’s balance sheet, providing the financial headroom needed for each demerged entity to pursue independent growth plans. This move also aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and unlock value for shareholders.
Dividend History and Shareholder Structure
Vedanta’s dividend track record is notable for its frequency and scale. In FY24-25, the company declared four interim dividends, with payouts ranging from ₹4 to ₹20 per share. Prior to the latest declaration, Vedanta had distributed a dividend of ₹8.5 per share in December 2024, amounting to a total disbursement of ₹3,324 crore. The consistent dividend policy has made Vedanta a favorite among income-focused investors.
As of March 2025, Vedanta Resources, the parent entity, holds a 56.38% stake in Vedanta Limited, entitling it to a payout of about ₹1,543 crore from the latest dividend. Public shareholders collectively own 43.5% of the company. Significantly, Vedanta boasts a substantial retail investor presence, comprising close to 20 lakh individual shareholders who collectively hold an 11.25% ownership stake.
Financial Performance and Market Reaction
Vedanta’s recent financial results show a mixed pictureIn the fourth quarter of FY25, Vedanta posted a 1.65% sequential rise in revenue, totaling ₹40,455 crore. However, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) declined by 2.7% to ₹11,466 crore, reflecting higher operational costs. The EBITDA margin contracted to 28.34% from 29.61%, and net profit slipped by 1.8% to ₹3,483 crore.
Despite the dividend announcement and stake sale, Vedanta’s share price exhibited volatility. The stock initially rose nearly 2% but later closed 0.49% lower at ₹456 per share on June 18, 2025. This suggests that while investors welcomed the dividend, concerns about operational margins and future earnings persist.
Strategic Context: Demerger and Capital Allocation
Vedanta’s partial stake sale in Hindustan Zinc, along with its demerger initiatives, reflects a wider strategy to establish independent, sector-focused businesses. The company believes that this approach will enable each business vertical to pursue tailored growth strategies and attract focused investor interest.
The capital raised from the stake sale is expected to support these objectives, allowing Vedanta to reduce debt and invest in high-growth opportunities. For instance, Hindustan Zinc recently announced a ₹12,000 crore investment to build a new integrated zinc metal complex in Rajasthan, signaling continued expansion in core areas.
Conclusion
Vedanta’s first interim dividend for FY26 and the concurrent stake sale in Hindustan Zinc reflect a dual focus on rewarding shareholders and strengthening the company’s financial position. The dividend underscores Vedanta’s commitment to consistent payouts, while the capital raise from the stake sale provides the flexibility needed for its ambitious demerger and growth plans. Investors will be watching closely to see how these moves translate into long-term value, especially amid ongoing operational and market challenges.
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