™For an ordinary cash dividend, buying on or after the ex-dividend date generally means the buyer is not entitled to that declared payment. A large special distribution may use due bills and a different ex-date.
Stocks
Ex-dividend date
The date on or after which a buyer generally is not entitled to the next declared cash dividend. Exchange rules can set different treatment for large or special distributions, including due-bill periods.
Plain-English context
Why it matters
The ex-dividend date determines whether a buyer or seller generally receives the next declared distribution. Current T+1 settlement and special-distribution rules can change the usual timing.
Do not infer entitlement solely from the record date or old settlement convention; special distributions can use due bills.
Further reading and verification. Examples are hypothetical, not current quotes or recommendations. Product terms, tax treatment and market rules can change. NYSE — Ex-date dividends