Vedanta Limited has announced a second interim dividend of ₹16.00 per equity share for the financial year 2025-26, demonstrating its commitment to shareholder returns. This declaration comes as a positive development for investors amidst recent market fluctuations and ongoing corporate activities.

Dividend Details

The company's board has approved a second interim dividend of ₹16.00 per share, which amounts to approximately ₹6,256.00 crore. The record date for this dividend has been set for August 27, 2025. This follows Vedanta's first interim dividend of ₹7.00 per share paid in June of the same financial year.

Recent Dividend History

Vedanta's dividend distribution has been substantial in recent years:

• In FY25, the company distributed ₹43.50 per share as dividend, totaling over ₹17,000.00 crore in payout.
• Over the past four financial years, Vedanta has returned more than ₹200.00 per share to its investors.

Shareholder Base

As of the June quarter, Vedanta boasts a significant retail investor base:

Stock Performance

Following the dividend announcement, Vedanta's shares closed at ₹447.10 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), up 0.36 percent.

Conclusion

The announcement of this substantial second interim dividend for FY26 provides a positive signal to shareholders. As Vedanta continues to navigate through various corporate challenges and opportunities, investors will likely keep a close eye on the company's performance and strategic decisions in the coming months.

Investors should note the ex-dividend date and ensure they are registered shareholders by the record date to be eligible for this dividend payment.

Vedanta Limited is navigating multiple regulatory and legal challenges. The company is currently reviewing a Supreme Court order and evaluating its legal options, while also addressing concerns raised by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regarding its demerger plan.

Supreme Court Order and Demerger Plan

Vedanta's spokesperson has stated that the company is reviewing a recent Supreme Court order and assessing its legal options. The company clarified that reports linking the Supreme Court's judgment to its demerger are misplaced. Vedanta plans to issue a corporate guarantee in favor of the Petroleum Ministry once the demerger scheme becomes effective through National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval.

SEBI Warning on Demerger Plan

SEBI has issued an administrative warning to Vedanta, stating that modifications to its demerger plan are not allowed after the no-objection certificate (NOC) was granted. This comes after the government raised objections to Vedanta's demerger, claiming it would hinder the recovery of dues. Although SEBI and exchanges had previously approved the plan, the government pointed out that Vedanta made changes following this approval.

Impact on Vedanta

These legal and regulatory challenges may have significant implications for Vedanta Limited, one of India's leading diversified natural resources companies. The complications with the demerger plan and the ongoing legal proceedings could affect the company's financial planning and corporate strategy.

Other Corporate Updates

Tax Penalty for Subsidiary

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta, received a penalty order from the Income Tax Department for the Assessment Year 2012-13. The penalty amounts to Rs. 80.96 lakh under Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Appeal Plans

BALCO intends to file an appeal with the Appellate Authority and a rectification application against the penalty order. The company is optimistic about a favorable outcome and does not expect the order to have any material financial impact.

Transfer of Shares to IEPF

Vedanta has issued a notice regarding the transfer of equity shares to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). This transfer applies to shares with unclaimed dividends for seven consecutive years.

Investor Relations

Vedanta continues to maintain transparency with its shareholders. The company has published newspaper advertisements notifying the transfer of unclaimed shares to the IEPF and providing instructions for shareholders to claim their shares and dividends.

These recent developments highlight the ongoing legal and regulatory challenges faced by Vedanta Limited, as well as its efforts to comply with corporate governance standards and investor protection measures.