Dividends Calendar

The dividend date cycle explained

• Declaration date — the board announces the dividend amount and the three key dates that follow. Share price typically moves on this day.
• Ex-dividend date (ex-date) — you must own shares before this date to receive the dividend. Buyers on or after the ex-date are not entitled to the payment; the stock price usually drops by roughly the dividend amount on ex-date.
• Record date — the company checks its register to confirm which shareholders qualify. Typically one business day after the ex-date.
• Pay date — dividend is deposited into qualifying shareholders' accounts. Usually two to four weeks after the record date.
• Dividend yield — annual dividend per share ÷ current share price. A rising yield can signal value or an impending cut — context matters.