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 14-18, 2013.

Whole Foods Market, Inc.  (WFM) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 16. The natural and organic food supermarket chain offers a dividend yield of 0.91%. Dividend.com currently rates WFM as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

Foot Locker, Inc.  (FL) has an ex-dividend date of January 16. The athletic footwear and apparel retailer has a 2.17% dividend yield.  Dividend.com currently rates FL as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.  (CBRL) is will go ex-dividend January 16. The home-style, southern, Americana restaurant chain has a dividend yield of 3.09%. Dividend.com currently rates CBRL as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

The Clorox Company  (CLX) has an ex-dividend date of January 18. The household, cleaning, and consumer products maker, known for its namesake bleach, offers a 3.42% dividend yield. Dividend.com currently rates CLX as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.  (LOW) is set to trade ex-dividend on January 18. The home improvement retail chain has a 1.84% dividend yield. Dividend.com currently rates LOW 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.