Newsletter

Comparing Ex-Dividend Date vs. Date of Record

What is the difference between the dividend payment date and the record date?

Confused about the performance of dividends and dividend payments? Opportunity isn’t the dividend concept that confuses you. The dividend, the date and date of recording is a tricky factor, in a nutshell, to qualify for a stock dividend. you have to buy stocks (or already owns) at least two days before the recording date. That’s the day before the dividend payout date.

Some investment terms are more common than Frisbee on a hot summer day, so first of all. Let’s fill in the basics of paying stock dividends first.

important issues

  • The trading date on or after the new buyer does not owe the dividend is known as the dividend payment date.
  • The company identifies all its shareholders on a date known as the recording date.
  • to be eligible for dividends You must purchase shares at least two business days prior to the recording date.

There are actually four key days in the dividend payment process:

  • The announcement date is the date the Board announces the dividend payment.
  • past date or dividend payment date is the trading day in The ex-date is one business day prior to the recording date.
  • recording date is the date the company checks the records to find the shareholders of the company There must be a list of investors on that day to be eligible for dividends.
  • The payment date is the date the company delivers the dividend to all record holders. It could be a week or longer after the recording date.

Understanding Ex-Dividend Date and Date of Record

Why is it necessary to issue dividends?

The dividend distribution decision is made by the Board of Directors. It is basically a share of the profits given to the shareholders of the company.

Many investors see a consistent dividend payout history as an important indicator of a good investment. Therefore, companies therefore reluctance to reduce or stop paying dividends on a regular basis

Dividends can be paid in a variety of ways. But mostly cash and stocks.

dividend payment example

For example, let’s say you own 100 shares of Cory’s Brewing Company. Cory posted record sales this year due to demand for its signature peach-flavored beer. The company decides to share some of its good fortune with its shareholders and declares a dividend of $0.10 per share. You will receive $10.00 payment from Cory’s Brewing Company.

In practice, dividend companies are issued four times a year. A one-time dividend, as in this example, is known as a special dividend.

Stock Dividend Example

stock dividend This is the second most common method of paying dividends. will be paid in shares rather than cash. Cory may pay a dividend of 0.05 new shares for every existing share. You receive five shares for every 100 shares you own, if any, with fractions. The remainder pays a cash dividend because the shares do not trade fractions.

Real estate dividends are hard to find.

Another, more rare type of dividend is real estate dividends, which are tangible assets that are distributed to shareholders. But there is not enough stock or money. The company could look for something concrete to sell. In this case, Cory’s might distribute six packs of its famous Peach Beer to all its shareholders.

dividend payment date

As mentioned above, the ex-date or ex-dividend is considered a cut-off point for a pending stock dividend.

If you buy stocks 1 day before the dividend payment date, you will receive dividends. If you buy on the dividend payment date or any day after You will not receive dividends.

On the other hand, if you want to sell the stock and still receive the dividend already announced. You have to hold on until the dividend payout date.

ex-date is one business day before the recording date.

recording date

The recording date is the date the company identifies all current shareholders. So everyone is entitled to receive the dividend. If you are not on the list You will not receive dividends.

in the current market Stock settlement is a T+2 process, meaning that the transaction enters the company’s logbook two business days after trading.

to make sure you are in the notebook You must purchase shares at least two business days prior to the recording date. or one day before the date of dividend payment

Photo by Sabrina Jiang © Investopedia 2020

As you can see from the diagram above. If purchased on the dividend payment date (Tuesday) only one day before the recording date You will not receive dividends because your name will not appear in the company’s books until Thursday . You have to buy on Monday When stocks are traded with dividends, the term dividend is used.

If you want to sell shares and still receive dividends You must sell on or after Tuesday the 6th. Different rules apply if the dividend is 25% or more of the security’s value. In this case, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) states that the expiration date is the first business day following that date. pay

Special Considerations Regarding Dividends

Another date worth mentioning is the payment date. That’s the day a company pays dividends to its historic shareholders. It could be a week or longer after the recording date.

may seem easy money Just buy shares two days before the record date and receive dividends.

It’s not that easy Remember that the announcement date has passed and everyone knows when the dividend will be paid. on the dividend payment date The share price will decrease approximately the amount of the dividend. Because traders are aware of the reduction of the company’s cash reserves.