Investing term

What is Declaration date?

The date the company's board formally announces the dividend.

The declaration date is when a company's board formally announces an upcoming dividend, stating the amount and the key dates that follow (ex-date, record date, pay date). It's the starting gun of the dividend calendar — until the board declares, a dividend is only expected, not promised.

For example

On the declaration date a board announces a $0.40 dividend payable next month — turning an analyst's expectation into a committed payment.

Declaration date is taught hands-on in Stage 8 — Corporate Actions: What Lands in Your Account.

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Related terms

AcquisitionOne company buys another. The bought company's shares are converted to cash, acquirer stock, or a mix at the closing price.Carve-outA parent company sells part of a subsidiary in an IPO, keeping a stake.Corporate actionAny event initiated by a company that changes its securities or distributes value to holders.Cost basisWhat you originally paid for a holding, used to calculate gains and losses when you eventually sell.
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