Final answer:
The record date indeed determines eligibility for stockholders to receive dividend payments, which is one aspect of the returns they expect from investment, alongside capital gains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the record date is the date when a stockholder must be registered on the corporation's books in order to receive dividend payments is true. When a firm pays a dividend, it distributes a portion of its profits to shareholders. The amount a shareholder receives is proportional to the number of shares they own.
Furthermore, the expectation of a rate of return can be met through receiving these dividends or through capital gains, which occur when an investor sells their stock for a higher price than they paid.
Investors need to pay attention to dividend-related dates, like the record date, to ensure they are eligible for dividend payments. Dividends are a key aspect of the returns an investor can expect from owning stocks, alongside potential capital gains.