Yes, if you purchase a stock two business days before its official ex-dividend date, you will successfully receive the upcoming dividend payout. To be eligible for a corporate dividend, an investor must own the shares before the ex-dividend date, meaning purchases settled by the record date qualify the holder for distribution. Buying two days prior ensures the trade settles in time under standard market settlement cycles, securing your legal right to receive the declared dividend payment directly into your brokerage account on the scheduled payment date.