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. Below are 5 big-name stocks going ex-dividend for the week of January 7-11, 2013.

Mastercard Inc.  (MA) is set to go ex-dividend on January 7. The credit card and payment services giant offers a divided yield of 0.23%. Dividend.com currently rates MA as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) has an ex-dividend date of January 8. The telecommunications company, known for its wireless phone and internet services, holds a dividend yield of 4.67%. Dividend.com currently rates VZ as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.6 stars out of 5 stars.

AT&T Inc. (T) is set to go ex-dividend on January 8. The telecommunications giant offers a dividend yield of 5.13%. This well-known company is seen as a dividend darling due to its consistent increase of dividend payments over the years. Dividend.com currently rates AT&T as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

General Mills, Inc.  (GIS) has an ex-dividend date of January 8. The manufacturer and marketer of consumer food products, known for such brands as Cheerios, Progresso Soup, Hamburger Helper, Fruit Roll-Ups, among others, has a 3.19% dividend yield. Dividend.com currently rates GIS as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

Yum! Brands, Inc.  (YUM) is set to go ex-dividend on January 9. The quick-service restaurant owner and operator, known for its KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell properties, offers a dividend yield of 1.98%. Dividend.com currently rates YUM as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.