Readers hoping to buy TI Fluid Systems plc ( LON:TIFS ) for its dividend will need to make their move shortly, as the stock is about to trade ex-dividend. The ex-dividend date is one business day before a company's record date, which is the date on which the company determines which shareholders are entitled to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important as the process of settlement involves two full business days. So if you miss that date, you would not show up on the company's books on the record date. Thus, you can purchase TI Fluid Systems' shares before the 26th of May in order to receive the dividend, which the company will pay on the 23rd of June.