Record date vs ex-dividend date

Direct answer

The record date is the date a company uses to check which holders are recorded for a declared dividend. The ex-dividend date is the trading date, usually before the record date, when the dividend stops attaching to new purchases under normal settlement rules.

Why the distinction matters

Dividend calendars often show record date, ex-dividend date, and payment date side by side. Understanding the difference helps readers avoid treating a company administration date as a trading signal or confusing entitlement timing with the date cash is paid.

Step-by-step timeline

First, a company announces a dividend and key dates. Second, the market applies an ex-dividend date based on local settlement rules. Third, the company checks the shareholder register on the record date. Fourth, the dividend is scheduled for payment on the payment date.

Example scenario

Suppose a dividend event lists an ex-dividend date of 10 June, a record date of 11 June, and a payment date of 30 June. In a calendar, 10 June is the first date when a new buyer would normally not receive the declared dividend, 11 June is the register check, and 30 June is the scheduled payment date.

ASX, FTSE 100, and STI context

ASX, FTSE 100, and STI calendar rows may use the same labels, but market rules, local holidays, source formatting, and settlement conventions can differ. DividendTen treats these as descriptive fields and shows data status so readers know whether a table is verified, initial, stale, or unknown.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include assuming the record date is the date to buy, treating the ex-dividend date as a guaranteed price event, ignoring market holidays, and comparing rows from different markets without checking local terminology and source notes.

Data limitations and caveats

Dates can be revised after an announcement, and some sources may publish partial records before all fields are confirmed. If a DividendTen market page is labelled as an initial market snapshot, demo, stale, or unknown, use it as a layout or learning example rather than production data.

How to read it on DividendTen

On DividendTen calendar pages, read the record date beside the ex-dividend date, payment date, amount, currency, frequency, and data-status block. A single date does not explain the full event without the surrounding row and source context.

Related DividendTen pages

Use the Ex-Dividend Date Guide and Timeline Tool for a visual timeline, then compare the ASX 200 or FTSE 100 dividend calendar pages. Review the methodology page before reusing any table structure or terminology.