Is It Smart To Buy MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) Before It Goes Ex-Dividend?

MSCI Inc. is expected to go ex-dividend in the next four days, with an upcoming dividend of US$2.05 per share, contributing to a 1.5% trailing yield. The company's dividends appear sustainable, with a payout ratio of 42% of its profits and strong earnings growth of 21% per annum over the past five years. Its dividend has also grown by an average of 25% annually over the last decade, suggesting it could be a promising dividend stock.