How to Set Up (3 Steps)
- •Step 1: Search for any dividend-paying stock (e.g., AAPL, MSFT, JNJ) on StockAlert.pro
- •Step 2: Select "Dividend Ex-Date Alert" and choose how many days in advance (recommended: 3-5 days)
- •Step 3: Choose notification method (email, SMS, or both) and save
Done! You'll receive automatic reminders before every ex-dividend date for that stock. No manual calendar tracking required.
Example: Apple (AAPL) Dividend - August 2025
- •Setup: Apple declares $0.25 quarterly dividend with ex-date August 11, 2025
- •Signal: Alert triggers 5 days before (August 6) - deadline approaching for eligibility
- •Action: Must buy by August 8 (T+1 settlement) to qualify - buying August 11 or later misses this dividend
- •Result: Timely purchase receives $0.25/share on payment date August 14
- •Key Insight: Alert prevents missed eligibility - without it, you might realize too late
Scenario Guide
| Scenario | Alert Timing | Stock Context | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planned Purchase | 5-7 days | Quality dividend stock on watchlist | Buy before ex-date, secure eligibility |
| Existing Position | 3-5 days | Already own shares | No action needed - verify holdings |
| Add to Position | 5-7 days | Want more shares before dividend | Buy additional shares before ex-date |
| Dividend Capture | 1-2 days | Short-term income strategy | Caution - price drop often offsets dividend |
| Tax Planning | 7-10 days | Qualified dividend timing | Ensure >60 day hold for qualified rate |
When to Use
- •You want to ensure dividend eligibility on stocks you plan to buy
- •You need reminders to buy before the cutoff date (T+1 settlement)
- •You're building a dividend income portfolio and track multiple ex-dates
When Not to Use
- •You already own the shares and don't plan to add (eligibility confirmed)
- •You're only interested in price appreciation, not dividend income
- •The stock has no dividend or suspended dividend payments
Conclusion
Ex-date alerts ensure you never miss dividend eligibility deadlines. Set alerts 3-7 days before ex-dates to have time to evaluate and execute trades. Combined with Dividend Payment alerts, you get complete dividend cycle coverage.