AT&T Inc (T)

[eastunder]

To get the dividend you needed to buy your position on
Jul 05, 2017 or before, as it went ex dividend on July 6th and it therefore is too late, hence the word ex. Code word for too late to be on record as a shareholder.

You must always buy BEFORE the ex dividend date arrives.

As for the three days to be shareholder on record: Take your days July 5 (last day to buy for div), count July 6th, count July 7th (weekends don't count) and on July 10 you show up on record at close when they tabulate shareholders on record.

(takes 3 days to show up on record after the 1 day when you made the trade or what some people call the T+3.)

found under the heading
BREAKING DOWN 'Record Date'
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/recorddate.asp

Just always buy before ex and you're good ;)

Personally Best is always to think about buying it when they declare or soon there after.

https://www.dividendinvestor.com/dividend-paid-since/?no=470