eMudhra, Tata Communications: 5 Stocks Going Ex-Dividend – Should You Care?

Let’s be real—dividend stocks aren’t the flashiest kids on the block. But here’s the thing: while everyone’s chasing multi-baggers, these steady payers are quietly building wealth. And timing? That’s everything. Right now, eMudhra and Sarla Performance Fibers are hitting their ex-dividend dates today, with Tata Communications, Tejas Networks, and Panasonic Carbon following tomorrow. So grab your chai, and let’s break this down.

1. The Ex-Dividend Date: Your Make-or-Break Moment

What’s this ex-dividend date everyone keeps talking about?
It’s basically the last day to buy a stock if you want its next dividend payment. After this date? Tough luck—you’re sitting out this round. And here’s a fun fact: the stock price usually drops by roughly the dividend amount right after. Classic “buy the rumor, sell the news” situation.

The dividend calendar cheat sheet:

• Announcement day: When the company says, “Hey, we’re sharing the profits!”
• Ex-date: Your deadline to get in (that’s today for some of these stocks).
• Payday: When the money actually hits your account—sometimes weeks later.

Miss the ex-date, and you’re waiting for the next cycle. For folks building passive income? That’s like skipping your morning coffee—technically possible, but why would you?

2. Today’s Players: eMudhra & Sarla Fibers

A. eMudhra – The Digital ID Sleeper

Okay, ₹1.25 per share doesn’t sound like much—it’s just 0.3% yield. But get this: they’re the guys behind those digital signatures you use for everything from bank loans to property deals. With government contracts piling up and 20% revenue growth last quarter? This might be more about growth than dividends. My cousin in Bengaluru swears by their tech—says it’s “the Aadhaar of B2B.”

B. Sarla Performance Fibers – The Steady Eddie

Textiles aren’t sexy, but 1.1% yield with a 35% payout ratio means they’re not overpromising. Sure, polyester prices are bouncing around like a cricket ball, but 12% EBITDA growth shows they’re handling it. If you want drama, watch a soap opera. If you want slow-and-steady, this might be your jam.

3. Tomorrow’s Lineup: The Heavy Hitters

A. Tata Communications – The Old Reliable

₹16 per share sounds nice until you see the 0.8% yield. But here’s the twist: their cloud and IoT biz grew 9% last year. It’s like your dad’s old Ambassador car—not flashy, but somehow still running when the fancy new startups have broken down.

B. Tejas Networks – The Dark Horse

Tata-backed, ₹3 per share dividend… meh. But their order book? ₹2,100 crore last quarter. They’re spending like crazy on R&D though—so maybe think of this as a long-term bet with a tiny bonus.

C. Panasonic Carbon – The Niche Player

1.5% yield and zero debt? Sweet. But—and this is a big but—80% of their business comes from parent Panasonic. It’s like depending on your in-laws for rent money. Works until it doesn’t.

4. Picking Winners: Beyond the Yield

What actually matters:

• Yield: 2-3% is the sweet spot. Anything higher? Probably too good to be true.
• Payout ratio: If they’re paying out more than 60% of profits, red flag.
• Cash flow: No cash, no dividend. Simple as that.

Watch out for: Sector crashes (looking at you, textiles) and sudden rule changes (hello, telecom). Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—unless you enjoy omelets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

5. Game Plan for Dividend Hunters

Pro tips from someone who’s messed this up before:

• Check your broker’s settlement time—India’s T+1 system means you need to buy a day earlier than you think.
• If the stock’s already run up 5% before the ex-date? Might not be worth it.
• And remember—the taxman cometh. Dividends count as income, so budget accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Between eMudhra’s tech potential and Tata Comm’s reliability, there’s something for everyone. But here’s my two paisa: dividends are great, but don’t ignore the bigger picture. A fat yield means nothing if the stock tanks 20% next month. Set those calendar alerts, do your homework, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll build that passive income stream everyone keeps bragging about.

Tools I use: Groww’s dividend tracker (lifesaver) and Equitymaster’s deep dives (when I’m feeling nerdy).

Source: Livemint – Markets