Kathmandu: Out of 48 companies declaring dividends from the last fiscal year's profit, only 20 companies have set book closing and general meeting dates so far. As per the regulatory provision, the annual general meeting has to be concluded within six months of the start of the current fiscal year. Book closures and general meeting dates are very important for investors. Because only the shareholders who have remained till the day before the book closing date (the previous trading day) can get the dividend paid by the company.

Nineteen microfinance companies listed on Nepse have declared dividends from last year's profit. Only six companies declaring dividends have so far set general meeting and book closing dates. Of which, Diprox Microfinance has closed the book and held a general meeting. The book of Sadhana Microfinance and Guras Microfinance has been closed and a general meeting is yet to be held.

All the nine hydropower companies that declared dividends from the last fiscal year's profit have already closed their books. Also, the general meeting date of all the hydropower companies has been fixed. Of these, general meetings of 5 companies have been completed and general meetings of 4 companies are yet to be held. Ngadi Group Power is among those declaring the highest dividend from last year's profit. It has paid 20% bonus share and 1.05% cash dividend to pay tax and has given a total dividend of 21.05%.

Three companies under the manufacturing group have declared dividend to the investors from the last fiscal year's profit. All of them have set a book closing date. Apart from Shivam Cements, two companies have also held general meetings. Unilever is the company that has declared the highest dividend. Unilever has paid a 650% cash dividend.