10 Big-Name Stocks Going Ex-Dividend Next Week (Jan 6-10)

Ex-dividend dates are very important to dividend investors, since you must purchase a stock prior to its ex-dividend date in order to receive its upcoming dividend payout. For more information, check out Everything Investors Need to Know About Ex-Dividend Dates.

Below we highlight 10 big-name stocks going ex-dividend for the week of January 6-10.

1. AT&T

AT&T Inc. (T) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 8. The communications company offers a dividend yield of 5.23% based on Tuesday's closing price of $35.16 and the company's quarterly dividend payout of 46 cents. The stock is up 4% year-to-date. Dividend.com currently rates T as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

2. Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 8. The communications company offers a dividend yield of 4.31% based on Tuesday's closing price of $49.14 and the company's quarterly dividend payout of 53 cents. The stock is up 13% year-to-date. Dividend.com currently rates VZ as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

3. The Gap

The Gap Inc. (GPS) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 6. The apparel retailer offers a dividend yield of 2.05% based on Tuesday's closing price of $39.08 and the company's quarterly dividend payout of 20 cents. The stock is up 25% year-to-date. Dividend.com currently rates GPS as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

4. Mastercard

Mastercard Inc (MA) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 7. The credit card company offers a dividend yield of 0.53% based on Tuesday's closing price of $835.46 and the company's quarterly dividend payout of $1.10. The stock is up 70% year-to-date. Dividend.com currently rates MA as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

5. American Express Company

American Express Company (AXP) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 8. The financial services company offers a dividend yield of 1.01% based on Tuesday's closing price of $90.73 and the company's quarterly dividend payout of 23 cents. The stock is up 57% year-to-date. Dividend.com currently rates AXP as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

6. Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 8. The restaurant company offers a dividend yield of 4.05% based on Tuesday's closing price of $54.37 and the company's quarterly dividend payout of 55 cents. The stock is up 21% year-to-date. Dividend.com currently rates DRI as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

7. General Mills

General Mills, Inc. (GIS) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 8. The packaged foods company offers a dividend yield of 3.05% based on Tuesday's closing price of $49.91 and the company's quarterly dividend payout of 38 cents. The stock is up 24% year-to-date. Dividend.com currently rates GIS as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out o