• The ex-dividend date or ex-date marks the cut-off point for shareholders to be credited in anticipation of a stock dividend.

  • To receive upcoming dividends, shareholders must purchase shares prior to the ex-dividend date.
  • There are four dates to be aware of when it comes to company dividends: announcement date, ex-dividend date, record date and payout date.
  • On an ex-dividend date, stock prices typically decline by the amount of the dividend.