dividend entitlement, page-4

If you want to get the dividend of the company, you need to buy the stock the day before Ex-Dividend Date. For example, Westpac's Ex-Dividend Date is on the 19th of May,2008. So you need to buy the stock on the 16th of May,2008 on or before 4pm(best before 4pm). Then, you will be entitled to get the dividend on the Pay Date. And you can sell anytime from on or after the Ex-Dividend date, still get paid on the Pay Date.
Technically, you can use the same money to get different dividend on various company to get paid. But remember, normally on the Ex-Dividend Date, the share price would fall sharply(not always) at the opening of the stock market. Many people start dumping the share because they know they already get paid. Just be careful if you want to buy, better not to buy too late tomorrow if you intend to sell on the Ex-Dividend Date. Hope this message will help you to make decision if you intend to buy tomorrow.