Numptie dividend question

[Nice But Dim]

So I have some BP shares which are going ex-dividend on Thursday

I will have to sell these in about 3 weeks amyway

So my numptie question: sell now or wait for 3 weeks and be eligible for the dividend too ?

I know the share price will drop once they go ex-dividend but will one offset the other - so in essence it doesn't matter ?

Edited by Nice But Dim on Monday 1st August 12:43

[LeoSayer]

Everything else being equal, the share price will drop by the dividend rate on the xd date, so no need to wait for 3 weeks.

Depending on your tax situation it may be better to sell before the xd date to avoid income tax on the dividend.

[Nice But Dim]

LeoSayer said:

Everything else being equal, the share price will drop by the dividend rate on the xd date, so no need to wait for 3 weeks.

Depending on your tax situation it may be better to sell before the xd date to avoid income tax on the dividend.

Thanks for your counsel - these are in an ISA wrapper so tax is negated.