Anyone know offhand when HBOS are going Ex-Div?

That description is incorrect Jumpin. If you are not on the company's share register on the record date you are still entitled to the dividend (assuming you held it the night before the ex-dividend date). It's just that the dividend will come from the market via the broker and not direct from the registrar. Settlement is now generally T+3 but there are many cases in which it is delayed, particularly for certificated holdings. Late settlement obviously doesn't lose you your entitlement to the dividend.

I just copied and pasted it from the web site cos I couldn't be bothered writing all that myself :)

Yes, I know. I have sent investopedia a note asking them to correct their description.

I believe if you buy on Tues and hold overnight you DO get the div. No doubt someone will correct me if this is wrong.

Note that not all companies go ex-div on the Wed; occasionally it's another day of the week.

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