Major Dividend Payouts Trigger Ex-Dividend Trading for Key Stocks
In a significant development for income-focused investors, a cluster of prominent Indian companies, including several public sector giants, have declared dividends, leading to their shares trading ex-dividend on Tuesday, February 18, 2026. This event marks the cutoff date for eligibility to receive the declared payouts.
Public Sector Undertakings Lead the Dividend Charge
The list is headlined by major public sector enterprises. Coal India Limited, the state-owned coal mining behemoth, is set to reward its shareholders with a dividend. Similarly, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), India's leading oil and gas explorer, will also be trading ex-dividend, distributing profits to its investor base. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aerospace and defence manufacturer, joins this group, offering a dividend following its robust financial performance.
Private Sector and Infrastructure Players Announce Payouts
The dividend action extends beyond the public sector. Leading automotive component manufacturer Bharat Forge has declared a dividend, reflecting strength in its sector. In the infrastructure space, IRB Infrastructure Developers is also on the ex-dividend list today. From the pharmaceutical sector, Natco Pharma is distributing a dividend to its shareholders.
Other notable companies going ex-dividend include Oil India Limited, another key player in the hydrocarbon sector, and CMS Info Systems, a cash management and payment solutions provider. This diverse range underscores broad-based corporate profitability and shareholder reward initiatives across industries.
Understanding the Ex-Dividend Date Mechanism
For investors, the ex-dividend date is a critical marker. Only shareholders who own the stock at the close of business on the day before the ex-dividend date are entitled to receive the declared dividend. Consequently, the stock price typically adjusts downward on the ex-dividend date by approximately the amount of the dividend per share, as the payout is no longer attached to the stock for new buyers.
Market participants and retail investors are closely monitoring the trading patterns of these stocks today. The event provides an opportunity for income generation and is often a key consideration for long-term portfolio strategies focused on stable returns.
