Readers hoping to buy Whitecap Resources Inc. ( TSE:WCP ) 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 of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade takes at least two business day to settle. This means that investors who purchase Whitecap Resources' shares on or after the 29th of December will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 16th of January.