RITES final dividend ex-date due tomorrow, investors to get Rs 2.65 per share; last day today to trade

RITES announced a final dividend of ₹2.65 per share, with the ex-date due tomorrow, September 17, 2025. This makes today the last day to trade the stock before it turns ex-dividend; investors who own the stock today will be eligible for the dividend payout. RITES' shares last traded at ₹275.14, marking a 2.70% increase compared to the previous day's closing price. This dividend announcement follows a period of fluctuating financial performance for the company. RITES, a transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has a market capitalization of approximately ₹13,223.33 crore. The dividend payout reflects the company's commitment to rewarding shareholders amidst evolving financial dynamics. The company's recent financial performance reveals some key trends. Consolidated revenue for the quarter ending June 2025 stood at ₹489.74 crore, slightly up from ₹485.76 crore in June 2024. However, it is lower compared to the revenue figures from subsequent quarters of the previous fiscal year, with ₹540.86 crore in September 2024, ₹575.76 crore in December 2024, and ₹615.43 crore in March 2025. Net profit for the quarter ending June 2025 was ₹88.52 crore, a marginal increase from ₹88.27 crore in June 2024. The net profit peaked at ₹137.63 crore in March 2025. Earnings per share (EPS) for June 2025 were reported at ₹1.67. Looking at the yearly performance, the company's revenue has seen a decline over the past five years. The revenue for the year 2025 was ₹2,217.81 crore, compared to ₹2,452.85 crore in 2024, ₹2,628.27 crore in 2023, ₹2,661.83 crore in 2022, and ₹1,859.54 crore in 2021. The net profit also showed a similar downward trend, with ₹411.43 crore in 2025, ₹489.73 crore in 2024, ₹570.00 crore in 2023, ₹537.86 crore in 2022, and ₹443.14 crore in 2021. The EPS for 2025 stood at ₹8.01, significantly lower than the previous years. Key financial ratios indicate a changing landscape. The book value per share (BVPS) for 2025 was ₹54.93, a notable decrease from ₹113.23 in 2024. The return on equity (ROE) was 16.04% in 2025. The company maintains a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.00, indicating a low level of debt. RITES' announcement of a final dividend, coupled with its current market performance and underlying financial data, presents a mixed picture for investors. While the dividend provides an immediate return, the declining revenue and profit trends warrant a closer examination of the company's strategic direction and operational efficiencies.