http://www.kenniffonline.com/dividends-from-profits/

Will sell my shares to disqualify me from receiving payment of dividends at the end of the quarter?
The actions I have in the company were purchased in March. I am to make a profit if I sell, but at the same time do not want to lose out in the payment of dividends.
If you sell your shares before the date ex-dividend date, then it does disqualify you from receiving the dividend. You should be holding the shares on the expiration date to receive dividends. Enjoy GE, for example, on its website yahoo finance the expiration date is listed as April 26, 2009, that means that if you held the shares that day then you are entitled to the dividend, if sold before April 26 of what are not.
The Caring Capitalist – Brazil