Ex-Dividend Date Explained: Declaration, Ex-Date, Record and Pay Dates
Dividend Dates Explained
Four dates matter for every dividend. Enter an ex-date and a dividend to see the last day to buy and what usually happens to the price.
The four dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Declaration date | The board announces the amount and the dates |
| Ex-dividend date | Buy on or after this date and you don't get this dividend |
| Record date | The company checks its list of shareholders |
| Pay date | Cash arrives in your account |