After a company distributes its profits to shareholders in the form of dividends, the next day is known as the "ex-dividend" date. This means that individuals who purchase the stock on or after this date will not receive the dividend, as they were not shareholders on the record date. This concept is important for investors to understand in order to make informed decisions about buying and selling stocks. It also highlights the importance of timing in the world of finance and how even a single day can make a significant impact on investments. So remember, the day after dividends are paid is the ex-dividend date.