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 February 25 to March 1, 2013.

1. Six Flags

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (SIX) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 25. The amusement park company offers a dividend yield of 5.38% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $66.90 and its quarterly dividend payout of 90 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates SIX as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

2. Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 26. The global investment banking giant offers a dividend yield of 1.29% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $155.18 and its quarterly dividend payout of 50 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates GS as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

3. Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (ALL) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 26. The insurance company offers a dividend yield of 2.15% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $46.41 and its quarterly dividend payout of 25 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates ALL as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

4. Time Warner

Time Warner Inc. (TWX) has an ex-dividend date of February 26. The media and entertainment company has a dividend yield of 2.16% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $53.23 and its quarterly dividend payout of 28.75 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates TWX as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

5. Newell Rubbermaid

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. (NWL) has an ex-dividend date of February 26. The consumer and commercial products maker offers a dividend yield of 2.54% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $23.60 and its quarterly dividend payout of 15 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates NWL as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars.

6. Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 27. The defense and security company offers a dividend yield of 5.24% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $87.73 and its quarterly dividend payout of $1.15 per share. Dividend.com currently rates LMT as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

7. McDonald’s

McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) has an ex-dividend date of February 27. The fast food giant has a dividend yield of 3.28% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $93.91 and its quarterly dividend payout of 77 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates MCD as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

8. Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 27. The meats producer, known specifically for its poultry products, offers a dividend yield of 0.85% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $23.56 and its quarterly dividend payout of 5 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates TSN as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars.

9. Bank of America

Bank of America Corp. (BAC) has an ex-dividend date of February 27. The financial services giant has a dividend yield of 0.34% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $11.80 and its quarterly dividend payout of 1 cent per share. Dividend.com currently rates BAC as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.1 stars out of 5 stars.

10. Nike

Nike Inc. (NKE) is set to trade ex-dividend on February 28. The athletic apparel and shoe giant offers a dividend yield of 1.55% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $54.02 and its quarterly dividend payout of 21 cents per share. Dividend.com currently rates NKE as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

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