The Dividend Daily

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 we highlight 10 big-name stocks going ex-dividend for the week of February 18-22, 2013.

1. Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has an ex-dividend date of February 19. The software giant offers a dividend yield of 3.29% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $28.03 and its quarterly dividend payout of 23 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates MFST as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

2. Phillips 66

Phillips 66 (PSX) has an ex-dividend date of February 19. The oil company, formed after a repositioning of ConocoPhillips (COP), offers a dividend yield of 1.95% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $64.11 and its quarterly dividend payout of 31.25 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates PSX as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

3. Mattel

Mattel, Inc. (MAT) has an ex-dividend date of February 20. The toy and game maker, known for its Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price brands, offers a dividend yield of 3.51% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $40.99 and its quarterly dividend payout of 36 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates MAT as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

4. Limited Brands

Limited Brands, Inc. (LTD) has an ex-dividend date of February 20. The women’s apparel and personal care retailer, known for its Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works stores, offers a dividend yield of 2.68% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $44.72 and its quarterly dividend payout of 30 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates LTD as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

5. Hershey’s

The Hershey Company (HSY) has an ex-dividend date of February 21. The chocolate and candy maker offers a dividend yield of 2.07% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $81.35 and its quarterly dividend payout of 42 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates HSY as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

6. Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI) is set to go ex-dividend on February 21. The business data provider offers a 4.34% dividend yield based on Wednesday’s closing price of $29.96 and its quarterly dividend payout of 32.5 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates TRI as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

7. Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 22. The pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare products maker has a dividend yield of 3.22% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $75.66 and its quarterly dividend payout of 61 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates JNJ as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

8. McGraw-Hill

The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (MHP) is set to go ex-dividend on February 22. The financial, educational, and commercial information provider has a dividend yield of 2.53% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $44.33 and its quarterly dividend payout of 28 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates MHP as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

9. Prudential

Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 22. The financial services company offers a dividend yield of 2.79% based on Wednesday’s closing price and its quarterly dividend payout of 40 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates PRU as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

10. Avon

Avon Products, Inc. (AVP) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 22. The beauty products manufacturer and distributor offers a dividend yield of 1.15% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $20.83 and its quarterly dividend payout of 6 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates AVP as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.0 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.