The ex-date is actually February 16th. Special rules for dividends over 25% of security value. <A HREF="http://www.nasd.com/web/groups/rules_regs/documents/notice_to_members/nasdw_003997.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.nasd.com/web/groups/rules_regs/documents/notice_to_members/nasdw_003997.pdf</A>