The ex-dividend date is when a stock trades without the right to the upcoming dividend. Buy before this date to receive the dividend; buy on or after and you don't get it. The stock often drops by the dividend amount on this date.
Example
Ex-div date Jan 15; buy Jan 14 to get the Jan 20 dividend.
Subscribe for simple financial insights and product updates. No spam, ever.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.