top of page

File Your ITR now

FILING ITR Image.png
Writer's pictureIndrajeet Sharma

Highest Dividend-Paying Stocks in India in 2024

Given that investors consider dividends to be a source of income from their investments, they are a crucial component. They are a major motivator for novice investors, and a few years ago, when the stock market was less technologically advanced, they were among the most important considerations for novice investors before making an investment. This mindset has evolved as a result of data-driven investors and technological advancements. In this article, we will list the highest dividend-paying stocks in India in 2024. We will also share some valuable insights to help you choose the best stocks to invest in for the highest returns.

 

Table of content

 

Importance of Investing in High Dividend-Paying Stocks

Purchasing stocks with significant dividend payments can be beneficial for a number of reasons: 


  • Growth Potential: Although dividend stocks are usually owned by well-established, mature businesses, many still have space to expand. Both dividends and possible capital growth over time are advantages of investing in these businesses.


  • Income Generation: Investors can expect a consistent income stream from high dividend-paying equities. For retirees or those looking to increase their income from assets, these dividends can be substantial.


  • Portfolio Stability: Compared to non-dividend-paying equities, dividend-paying firms are typically less volatile. Their steady income can stabilize the overall performance of a portfolio and provide a buffer against market downturns.


  • Financial Health: Businesses that regularly distribute dividends let investors know that their cash flow and earnings are steady. This could be a sign of a robust and successful company, which could reassure investors.


  • Tax Benefits: Investors may benefit from lower taxes on dividends in some countries compared to interest income.


  • Historical Performance: In the past, dividend-paying equities have done better in the long run than non-dividend-paying stocks. Dividend reinvestment has the potential to significantly increase wealth over time via compounding returns.


  • Inflation Hedging: Investors can protect themselves from price increases by using dividends, which have the ability to stay up with inflation. Dividends frequently offer greater protection than fixed-income investments like bonds, even though they might not always rise at the same rate as inflation.


How to Buy High Dividend-Paying Stocks in India

Research, analysis, and evaluation of a number of aspects are necessary when selecting high dividend yield companies. The following procedures will assist you in choosing stocks with high dividend yields: 


  • Find Stocks with High Dividend Yields: To find stocks with high dividend yields, use stock screening tools or financial websites. High dividend-yield equities are often defined as those whose dividend yields are above the market average. But it's crucial to make sure the high yield is long-lasting and not the consequence of a recent drop in stock prices.


  • Evaluate Dividend Increase Potential: Take into account the possibility of future dividend increases even though a high present dividend yield is crucial. Seek out businesses with a track record of boosting dividends over time. This indicates sound financial standing and management optimism about the company's future.


  • Assess Dividend Sustainability: Seek out businesses that have a history of reliable dividend payments, steady profits, and stable cash flow. To determine if the business can continue to pay dividends in the future, examine important financial indicators such as free cash flow, profit growth, and the dividend payout ratio—the percentage of earnings distributed as dividends.


  • Analyse the Company's Financial Health: To determine the company's overall financial health, examine its cash flow, income, and balance sheets. Keep an eye out for positive free cash flow generation, steady sales and earnings growth, and low debt levels.


  • Research Industry and Market Trends: To comprehend the company's growth potential and hazards, evaluate the dynamics of the industry as well as more general market trends. Because of their mature character and steady revenue flows, some businesses might be better suited to paying out large dividends.


  • Assess Competitive posture: Examine the business's competitive posture, as well as its capacity to sustain pricing power and market share over time. High dividend payments are more likely to be maintained by businesses with long-lasting competitive advantages (like strong brands, patents, or innovative technologies).


  • Keep Up to Date and Track Performance: Keep a close eye on your high dividend yield stocks and keep up with any developments in the business's core principles, the state of the industry, or the state of the economy that might have an effect on the company's dividend payments or stock performance.


  • Prioritise Diversification: Diversification is essential to risk management in any investing strategy. To diversify risk and improve long-term profits, think about assembling a diverse portfolio of high dividend yield equities from various sectors and industries.


Top 10 Highest Dividend-Paying Stocks in India

The following table lists the top 10 stocks that have yielded the highest dividend in India in 2024: 

Company

Dividend Yield

Stock Price (Rs)

PE Ratio

Taparia Tools

456.62

8.76

0.12

VST Industries

48.15

311.55

21.77

Xchanging Solutions

32.02

106.19

40.39

BPCL – Bharat Petroleum Corporation

10.30

305.85

10.12

Chennai Petroleum Corporation

9.21

597.20

12.41

Indian Oil Corp.

8.82

135.99

8.82

HPCL – Hindustan Petroleum Corporation

8.48

371.40

18.82

Shri Dinesh Mills

7.35

408.00

4.97

Vedanta

6.79

434.75

14.99

IL&FS Investment Managers

6.42

10.91

68.51



Taxation of Dividends in India

Payments from a company's profits to its shareholders are known as dividends. They serve as a means of compensating investors for owning firm stock. Either cash or more shares may be distributed as dividends. The type of dividend and the length of time the shares are held determine the taxation of dividends. We'll go over the distinction between qualified and regular dividends as well as how Indian taxes apply to them.


Qualified Dividend

A payout that satisfies specific requirements to qualify for a reduced tax rate is known as a qualified dividend. These circumstances are: 


  • Either an Indian firm or a foreign corporation listed on an Indian stock exchange is required to pay the dividend.


  • The dividend must be declared, paid, or distributed by the corporation by April 1, 2020, at the latest.


  • Before the record date, when the corporation decides who is qualified to receive the dividend, the shareholder must have held the shares for more than 12 months.


According to Section 115BBD of the Income Tax Act of 1961, a qualifying dividend is subject to a flat 10% tax rate (plus surcharge and cess). Before distributing the dividend to the shareholder, the business deducts this tax at the source, saving the shareholder from having to pay extra taxes on the dividend income. However, under Section 115BBDA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, a shareholder must pay an additional 10% tax (plus surcharge and cess) if their total dividend income in a fiscal year exceeds INR 10 lakh. This tax must be paid by the shareholder when submitting his or her income tax return.


Ordinary Dividend

A dividend that doesn't fit the requirements to be considered a qualified dividend is known as an ordinary dividend. An Indian business's dividend paid prior to April 1, 2020, a dividend paid by a foreign company not listed on an Indian stock exchange, or a dividend received by a shareholder who held the shares for less than 12 months prior to the record date are a few examples.

According to Section 56(2)(i) of the Income Tax Act of 1961, an ordinary dividend is taxed at the regular slab rates that apply to the shareholder's income. The dividend payment is not subject to any tax deductions at the source by the corporation. The shareholder is required to include the dividend income on his or her income tax return and make the appropriate tax payments. However, under Section 194 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, a shareholder must pay 10% tax deducted at source (TDS) (plus surcharge and cess) if their total dividend income in a fiscal year exceeds Rs. 5,000. The shareholder may claim the TDS as a credit on his or her income tax return.


Tax on Long-Term Capital Gain

A tax on the long-term capital gain (LTCG) on the sale must be paid by the shareholder if they sell their shares after holding them for more than a year. If the LTCG exceeds Rs. 1 lakh in a fiscal year, it is subject to a fixed 10% tax rate (plus surcharge and cess) under Section 112A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. When calculating the LTCG, the shareholder can profit from indexation, or inflation adjustment.


Points to Note

  • Dividend Tax Exemption: Until March 31, 2020, investors were not required to pay taxes on dividends from Indian corporations because the companies paid the Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT). 


  • Tax Change: The Finance Act of 2020 eliminated DDT and the 10% tax on dividends over Rs. 10 lakh, making dividends taxable for investors as of April 1, 2020.


  • Dividend TDS: The Finance Act of 2020 imposed a 10% TDS on dividends over Rs. 5,000. As a COVID-19 relief measure, TDS was lowered to 7.5% between May 14, 2020, and March 31, 2021. 


  • Tax Credit: When submitting an income tax return (ITR), the deductible TDS may be applied to the total amount of taxes owed.


Conclusion

Dividend-paying stocks are intended for people who wish to invest in businesses for a longer time frame and who seek a steady income. These businesses are often stable and have long since reached a certain saturation point. Setting objectives for your yearly returns is crucial. The choice of stocks is quite important. Investments must be made in stocks that at least provide dividends and yearly growth of 5% to 15%. For an investor, this will be a methodical approach.


FAQ

Q1. What is dividend yield?

Dividend yield is a key metric that shows how much a corporation pays out in dividends annually in relation to the price of its stock. It is calculated by taking the current share price and dividing it by the annual dividends per share.


Q2. Is it mandatory for a company to give dividends to investors?

The board of directors alone has the authority to decide whether or not the corporation must pay dividends to its shareholders. They are free to distribute a portion of the profits to shareholders if they believe that this is necessary. If not, all of the earnings can be put towards product development, debt repayment, or expansion.


Q3. How many times can a company declare a dividend?

A business may choose to pay it annually, quarterly, or in any of the four quarters. Some businesses occasionally even make monthly payments.


Q4. How to buy dividend yield stocks?

Researching businesses that regularly pay large dividends is the first step in purchasing dividend yield stocks in India. Seek out industries with a track record of consistent profits, such as consumer products or utilities. Create a trading account with a trustworthy broking, add money to it, and then use the broking platform to buy stock in these high-yield businesses. To optimise returns, analyse and tweak your portfolio on a regular basis.


Q5. What kind of companies pay high dividends?

A company's profits can be reinvested in the business to invest in capital expenditures, new goods, or distribution, or they can be distributed as dividends and turned into dividend stock. As a result, a company's dividend payment is heavily reliant on the cash it generates over the course of a year after covering its working capital and capital expenditure needs.



Q6. Which are the top dividend yield stocks in India?

VST, Xchanging Sol, BPCL, Gujarat Toolroom, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. are listed as  the top dividend-paying stocks in India.


Q7. Which stocks in India have been the highest dividend-paying over the last decade?

During the past ten years, the following Indian equities have been recognised for their large dividend payments: Vedanta Ltd., INEOS Styrolution India Ltd., National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), and REC Ltd. Due to their track record of reliably paying dividends, these businesses are frequently sought for by investors seeking steady returns on their capital.



5 views0 comments

Related Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page