February 2026 is proving to be a historic month for income investors. With the new Separate Taxation on Dividend Income policy now active and the Google Discover algorithm prioritizing expertise, we have curated a list of high-conviction corporate actions.
Key Highlights:
- P&G Health leading the payout chart with a whopping ₹110 interim + ₹50 special dividend .
- ONGC, Coal India, and Hindalco in focus post-Q3 earnings .
- Gateway Distriparks offering a dual-benefit of special and interim dividends .
- US & Korean Markets seeing a massive rotation into Dividend ETFs (SCHD, DVY) .
Why Feb 2026 is Different: Ex-dates are no longer just a December phenomenon. Companies are now declaring dividends before setting record dates, creating a price-momentum window .
The Great Rotation: Why Everyone is Chasing Dividends in 2026
For years, the market was obsessed with hyper-growth tech. That narrative has shifted. As of February 2026, Dividend Stocks are officially outperforming the “Magnificent Seven.”
At Digiparvat, we are observing a structural shift. The S&P 500 is flat, yet the iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) is up 10%, and the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has surged 13% year-to-date . This isn’t a flash in the pan; it is a flight to safety backed by tangible cash flows.
If you want to secure your slice of the ₹110 dividend from P&G Health or the ₹6.25 from ONGC, you must act before the ex-dividend date.
February 2026: The Ultimate Ex-Dividend Calendar (Verified Data)
Based on exchange filings as of February 12-13, 2026, here are the critical dates for your diary. Investors must hold shares in their demat account before the ex-date to be eligible.
High-Impact Ex-Dates: February 12, 2026
Source: Angel One / BSE Filings
| Company Name | Dividend Type | Amount Per Share | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procter & Gamble Health | Interim + Special | ₹110 + ₹50 | Highest payout of the season |
| Gateway Distriparks | Special + Interim | ₹1.25 + ₹0.75 | Dual benefit |
| Sun TV Network | Interim | ₹2.50 | Consistent performer |
| Goldiam International | Interim | ₹2.75 | Mid-cap gem |
| Repco Home Finance | Interim | ₹2.00 | Financial sector play |
| Star Cement | Interim | ₹1.00 | Infra exposure |
Key Ex-Dates & Results: February 13, 2026
- ONGC: Interim Dividend of ₹6.25 declared alongside a 22.6% rise in Q3 profit.
- BEML, Hindustan Copper, NMDC: Trading ex-dividend today.
- Coal India: Despite a dip in profit, the dividend history remains strong.
The “Game Changer” of 2026: Separate Taxation on Dividends
This is the meta-trend that most retail investors are missing. Starting January 1, 2026, dividends from domestic listed companies qualify for separate taxation .
How to Qualify for Lower Taxes (The Criteria):
- 2025 cash dividend must not be lower than 2024.
- Payout ratio must be ≥40% in 2025, OR ≥25% with a 10% YoY dividend growth.
Digiparvat Insight: This policy is forcing institutional investors to accumulate stocks before the ex-date rather than after. The February corporate actions are no longer just about the dividend cheque; they are about tax efficiency.
Beyond Stocks: The Rise of High-Dividend ETFs
If you don’t have time to track individual record dates, the market is sending you a clear signal via ETFs.
- KOSPI High Dividend 50 Index: Up 23.45% in one month .
- Covered Call ETFs: Currently offering distribution rates as high as 21.24% annually by selling options against holdings .
Actionable Takeaway: For investors in their 40s/50s, shifting a portion of your portfolio to monthly-dividend ETFs can generate reliable cash flow while preserving capital .
Digiparvat’s Strategic Playbook: How to “Secure Your Slice”
To successfully capture these dividends and potential price appreciation, follow the Digiparvat 3-Step Method:
- Buy Before the Ex-Date: You must purchase the stock at least 1 trading day before the record date. If you buy on the ex-date, the seller gets the dividend.
- Watch the Price Drop: Stocks usually drop by the dividend amount on the ex-date. Do not panic sell. This is a technical adjustment, not a loss of value.
- Tax Planning: With the new 2026 rules, prioritize stocks that meet the high payout ratio criteria to benefit from separate taxation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ex-dividend date?
The ex-dividend date is the cutoff date that determines whether you are the official owner of the stock for dividend eligibility. If you buy on or after this date, you will not receive the declared dividend .
2. Can I sell the stock immediately after the record date?
Yes. Once you are officially recorded as a shareholder, you can sell the stock and still receive the dividend on the payout date.
3. Are these dividends guaranteed?
No. Dividends are declared by the Board of Directors and are subject to company profits and cash flow. Always check the latest exchange filings .
4. What is the difference between interim and special dividend?
An Interim dividend is paid during the financial year. A Special dividend is a one-time, non-recurring payout, usually resulting from exceptional profits or asset sales (e.g., P&G Health’s ₹50 special) .
5. How does Google Discover find financial content like this?
Google Discover prioritizes timely, non-clickbait content with strong E-E-A-T. This article avoids sensationalism and relies on verified exchange data, aligning with the February 2026 Discover Core Update guidelines .
6. What is Separate Taxation on dividends?
Effective 2026, qualified dividends from domestic companies are taxed separately (often at a lower rate) rather than being clubbed with your global income. This makes high-dividend stocks significantly more attractive .
Conclusion: The Window of Opportunity is Closing
February 2026 is shaping up to be the “Dividend Renaissance.” We are witnessing a perfect storm: high corporate payouts, new tax advantages, and a massive rotation out of overvalued tech into cash-generating assets.
Don’t chase the news; chase the filings. P&G Health’s ₹110 dividend won’t wait for you, and ONGC’s ₹6.25 record date is already here.
At Digiparvat, we bridge the gap between complex exchange data and actionable investment strategies. Bookmark this page and check your demat account today. The ex-dates are hitting now.
About the Author
