Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is reporting its Q4 FY26 earnings today, with significant attention on its dividend declaration. Over the past decade, TCS has established a strong reputation for consistent dividend payouts, rewarding investors with nearly ₹1,000 per share since FY16. The annual dividend has seen a remarkable increase from approximately ₹45 per share in FY16 to over ₹170 by FY25, reflecting robust cash flows and a commitment to shareholder returns. The post-Covid period has particularly seen a surge in payouts, with TCS distributing ₹79 per share so far in FY26, prior to the final dividend announcement. A distinctive feature of TCS's dividend strategy is its frequent issuance of special dividends, often ranging from ₹40 to ₹60 per share, which has significantly boosted total returns for long-term investors. Additionally, TCS has engaged in periodic share buybacks, further enhancing capital returns without resorting to stock splits or bonuses.