Investing term

What is Record date?

The date the company checks its register to confirm who is on it.

The record date is when a company checks its share register to confirm who officially owns the stock and is therefore entitled to an upcoming dividend or corporate action. It works hand-in-hand with the ex-date: settling your purchase in time to be "on the books" by the record date is what secures the payout.

For example

To receive a dividend you must be a registered owner by the record date — which is why the ex-date sits a day or so earlier to allow for settlement.

Record 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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