I think, because this dividend is worth 25% or more, then the same rules apply as last time. The ex-dividend date would be the day after the payment date of Feb 25. So, there will be a long period of between Jan 17 and Feb 25 were if you buy shares you will receive the dividend from the seller, and if you make the mistake of selling them, then you will get a due bill for the dividend shares to be turned over to the buyer.

So, essentially we have a long period for the stock to run up in price prior to the ex-dividend date. Which is good.