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 December 31, 2012 through January 4, 2013.

Discover Financial Services (DFS) is set to go ex-dividend on December 31, 2012. The credit card and electronic payment services company offers a 1.14% dividend yield. Dividend.com current rates DFS as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

TD Bank  (TD) has an ex-dividend date of January 2, 2013. The Canadian banking giant holds a dividend yield of 3.69%. Dividend.com currently rates TD as “Recommended” with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Sysco  (SYY) is set to go ex-dividend on January 2. The food distribution and marketing giant has a dividend yield of 3.56%. Dividend.com currently rates SYY as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

American Express (AXP) has an ex-dividend date of January 2. The financial services company, well known for its credit card and payment services, offers a 1.41% dividend yield. Dividend.com currently rates AXP as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.

JP Morgan Chase  (JPM) has an ex-dividend date of January 2. The mulitnational banking and financial services company holds a dividend yield of 2.76%. Dividend.com currently rates JPM as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 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.