This list tracks stocks with ex-dividend dates within the next 30 days. The ex-dividend date is the critical cutoff — to receive the upcoming dividend payment, you must purchase shares at least one business day before this date. Buying on or after the ex-date means you will not receive the current dividend.
Income-focused investors use ex-dividend calendars to plan purchases and build portfolios that generate regular cash flow throughout the year. By staggering purchases across stocks with different ex-dates, it is possible to create monthly income streams. Some traders employ a "dividend capture" strategy — buying shortly before the ex-date and selling shortly after — though this approach has mixed results after accounting for the typical ex-date price drop.
This calendar shows upcoming ex-dates, pay dates, yields, and annual dividend amounts for companies with market caps above $500 million. Data is sourced from dividend declarations and updated as companies announce their payment schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ex-dividend date?
The ex-dividend date is the cutoff date for dividend eligibility. To receive an upcoming dividend, you must own the stock at least one business day before the ex-date. On the ex-date, the stock typically opens lower by approximately the dividend amount. For example, a stock paying a $1 dividend at $50 will theoretically open at $49 on the ex-date. The key dates are: declaration date (announced), ex-date (cutoff), record date (verified), and pay date (cash received).
What is the dividend capture strategy?
Dividend capture involves buying a stock just before the ex-date and selling shortly after to collect the dividend. The theory is that you pocket the dividend as profit. In practice, the stock price typically drops by the dividend amount on the ex-date, offsetting the payout. Transaction costs and taxes further erode returns. Academic research suggests this strategy produces minimal net returns for most investors, though some traders find opportunities in stocks that recover their ex-date drop quickly.
How often do stocks pay dividends?
Most U.S. stocks pay dividends quarterly (every three months). Some REITs and closed-end funds pay monthly. A few companies pay semi-annually or annually. The payment schedule is set by the company's board of directors and typically follows a consistent pattern each year. By combining stocks with different quarterly payment months, investors can construct portfolios that provide dividend income every month.
What happens to the stock price on the ex-dividend date?
On the ex-date, the stock price typically opens lower by the dividend amount. This is because new buyers on or after the ex-date will not receive the dividend, so the stock is worth less by that amount. A $100 stock paying a $2 dividend should theoretically open at $98. However, market forces mean the actual opening price may differ. Some stocks recover the drop quickly while others do not, depending on overall market conditions and buying pressure.
Do I need to hold the stock until the pay date?
No. You only need to own the stock before the ex-dividend date. Once the ex-date passes, you are entitled to the dividend regardless of whether you sell the stock. The dividend will be paid to whoever held the shares on the record date. The pay date — when cash arrives in your account — is typically 2-4 weeks after the ex-date. You can sell the stock the day after the ex-date and still receive the dividend on the scheduled pay date.
What is dividend yield?
Dividend yield is the annual dividend payment divided by the stock price, expressed as a percentage. A stock paying $4 annually at a $100 price has a 4% yield. Yields change daily as stock prices fluctuate — a declining stock price increases the yield, which can be misleading if the dividend is at risk of being cut. The S&P 500 average yield is approximately 1.3%. Yields above 4% are considered high, and yields above 7% warrant careful analysis of dividend sustainability.
Are dividends taxed?
Yes. Qualified dividends from U.S. companies held for at least 60 days are taxed at the long-term capital gains rate (0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income). Non-qualified dividends are taxed as ordinary income. REIT dividends are generally taxed as ordinary income. In tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, dividends grow tax-deferred or tax-free. The tax treatment makes dividend investing in taxable accounts more efficient for qualified dividends.