Maharashtra Scooters Declares Rs 160 Interim Dividend As Q1 Profit Falls

Maharashtra Scooters, a subsidiary of Bajaj Holdings & Investment, has announced an interim dividend of Rs 160 per equity share for the financial year 2027. The payout represents 1,600% of the share's Rs 10 face value and was approved by the company board during a meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The significant corporate payout arrives alongside a sharp contraction in the core investment company's quarterly earnings. For the first quarter of fiscal 2027, Maharashtra Scooters reported a standalone net profit of Rs 3.32 crore, marking a 91% decline compared to Rs 35.26 crore recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year. Revenue from operations dropped by over 80% year-on-year to Rs 5.41 crore.

To determine investor eligibility for the dividend, the company has fixed Monday, September 21, 2026, as the record date. Shareholders must hold the stock on or before this date to qualify for the distribution. According to exchange filings, the payout is scheduled to be credited to eligible accounts on or before Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Following the announcement, the auto ancillary stock traded lower on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Shares slipped 1.73% to trade at Rs 12,778, with an intraday high of Rs 13,073.65 and a low of Rs 12,725.80. The company maintains a market capitalisation of Rs 14,603.42 crore and a return on equity of 1.01%.

Alongside the dividend declaration, the board approved proposed changes to the company's strategic direction. Management plans to expand operations into the renewable energy sector, encompassing solar and wind power activities, subject to requisite regulatory approvals. A formal name change is also under evaluation by the board.

Maharashtra Scooters currently operates as an unregistered core investment company, deriving the majority of its income from its substantial investment portfolio. Bajaj Holdings & Investment maintains a controlling 51% stake in the firm. The company previously disbursed a total dividend of Rs 220 per share for the 2026 financial year, maintaining a consistent history of substantial shareholder distributions despite fluctuations in quarterly operating revenues.