Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading name in the Indian IT sector, has announced a bonanza for its shareholders. The company declared a record payout of Rs 46,223 crore for the financial year 2024 (FY24), significantly exceeding analyst expectations and showcasing its commitment to shareholder returns.

This windfall for shareholders comes in two parts: dividends and share buybacks. TCS announced a final dividend of Rs 28 per share, adding to the Rs 45 per share already declared during the year. This translates to a total dividend payout of Rs 73 per share. Additionally, the company completed a share buyback worth Rs 17,000 crore during FY24.

Rewarding Shareholders Through Dividends and Buybacks

TCS has a well-established policy of returning a significant portion of its free cash flow (FCF) to shareholders. The company aims to distribute between 80% and 100% of its FCF, demonstrating its commitment to shareholder value creation. In FY24, the total shareholder payout surpassed even this target, reaching 104% of the company's FCF generation of Rs 44,282 crore.

This generous payout stands in stark contrast to FY23, where the total shareholder payouts amounted to Rs 33,306 crore, exceeding the FCF by 10%. However, unlike FY24, there were no share buybacks in FY23.

A History of Rewarding Investors

TCS has a consistent track record of rewarding its shareholders. While FY24 marks a record payout, the company has a history of substantial dividends. In FY23, the dividend payout stood at Rs 115 per share. Examining past years, TCS distributed Rs 7,686 crore in dividends in FY22 (along with a share buyback of Rs 18,000 crore), Rs 8,510 crore in FY21, and Rs 25,125 crore in FY20.

Strong Financial Performance Fuels Shareholder Rewards

The record payout by TCS is backed by the company's robust financial performance. For the March quarter of FY24, TCS reported a 9.14% year-on-year jump in consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 12,434 crore. This positive performance exceeded market expectations, which anticipated a more modest 5-6% growth.

Positive Reaction from Investors

The announcement of the substantial shareholder payout has been met positively by investors. This move signifies TCS's financial strength and its commitment to creating value for its shareholders. The company's strong financial performance and generous payout strategy are likely to solidify its position as a favorite among investors in the IT sector.

TCS's Future Outlook: Balancing Growth and Shareholder Returns

While the record payout is a positive development for shareholders, it raises questions about TCS's future investment plans. Balancing shareholder returns with continued growth and innovation will be crucial for the company's long-term success. Investors will be keenly watching how TCS navigates this balance in the coming years.

One can expect TCS to maintain its focus on both aspects. The company is likely to continue generating healthy free cash flow, allowing it to sustain a high level of shareholder payouts while also investing in strategic initiatives to drive future growth.