FTB-C000122 / Financial concept

Special Dividend

A special dividend is a distribution classified as non-regular or extraordinary under the applicable event or methodology rules.

Also known asextraordinary dividendnon-regular dividend

Intermediate 3 linked topicsPublished

Definitions

In plain terms

Because it is outside the ordinary pattern, a provider may treat it differently from a regular cash dividend when adjusting price or an index divisor.

Technical

Classification requires issuer terms, amount, currency, event dates, market convention, methodology effective date, tax status, and explicit regular-versus-special evidence.

Scope

Large does not automatically mean special, and classification can differ by methodology.

Examples

  • A governed calculation records special dividend with its exact basis, effective time, source, and units.

Common misconceptions

  • Special Dividend does not have one universal treatment without the applicable methodology, event terms, and data context.

Concept relationships

Broader concepts

Related

Contrasts with

Where this concept is used

Tutorials planned

These catalogued topics use this concept, but their complete build has not shipped yet.

  • D02-F02-A04 Primary
  • D03-F01-A03 Important
  • D03-F01-A04 Important

Evidence and governance

  1. Corporate Actions and Events Guide FTSE Russell, London Stock Exchange Group · first party methodology

    Supports: preferred label, short definition, technical definition

    Limits: Rules are specific to applicable FTSE Russell indices and can contain market, eligibility, tax, and timing exceptions.

  2. Fintech Builder Glossary Definition Contract The Fintech Builder · internal governed contract

    Supports: variant distinction

    Limits: Defines governed platform behavior rather than claiming these policies are universally prescribed by external McClellan methodology.

Reviewed by
Last reviewed
2026-07-27
Next review
2027-07-27
Record status
published
Written by

Fintech engineer building market-data and financial systems, and the author of every article, glossary record, and reference implementation on The Fintech Builder.