Ex-dividend dates are one of the most important dates for dividend investors to be aware of, since an investor must own a stock prior to its ex-dividend to be entitled to its dividend. Next week, while it is a slow week in terms of stocks going ex-dividend, there are still 7 notable dividend opportunities as follows.

Written by Timothy J. McIntosh.com (TheDividendManager.com)

1. AGNC Investment Corp (NYSE: AGNC) will be going ex-dividend on Friday, January 27.

The real estate investment trust (REIT) currently offers a dividend yield of a whopping 11% and pays a monthly dividend of $0.18. It will pay its next dividend on February 8.

Many investors flock to stocks like AGNC for its high yield, but these stocks can be risky. The stock has be slowly lowering its dividend since 2015 (from $0.22) and [the stock] is down 13% in the same time period.

Despite the risks, investors are drawn to the stock for its high yield and monthly payout, which can be great in a Dividend Reinvestment Program (DRIP) or for extra income.

2. Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. (NYSE: OHI) is going ex-dividend on Friday, January 27.

The healthcare real estate investment trust (REIT) is similar to AGNC for its high yield and real estate focus, but has actually increased its dividends. The stock currently has a dividend yield of about 7.5% and will pay its next $0.62 quarterly dividend on February 15.

Unlike AGNC, however, Omega has soared in the last 5 years (it remained flat in the last twelve months).

3. Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NYSE: PAA) will go ex-dividend on Friday, January 27.

The energy MLP currently offers a dividend yield of approximately 7%. It will pay its next $0.55 quarterly dividend on February 14.

Although the company has an attractive yield, it cut its dividend by 12% in September 2016 from $0.70.Despite its dividend cut, the stock is up over 50% in the last twelve months.

4. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) is going ex-dividend on Tuesday, January 24.

The home goods retailer currently offers a dividend yield of about 3% and will pay its next $0.37 dividend on February 24.

The company has been consistently raising its dividend every year since 2010, announcing an increase of about $0.02 annually over the last few years.

The stock has been flat in the last twelve months.

5. Eaton Vance Corp (NYSE: EV) will go ex-dividend on Friday, January 27.

The investment fund company currently offers a dividend yield of approximately 2.6% and will pay its next $0.28 dividend on February 15.

The company has been raising its dividend every year consecutively for nearly 40 years, since 1981. Most recently, the company boosted its dividend in October 2016, by 6%.

In the last twelve months, the stock has surged 55%.

6. Pentair plc. (NYSE: PNR) is going ex-dividend on Wednesday, January 25.

The manufacturing company currently offers a dividend yield of 2.3%. It will pay its next $0.345 dividend on February 10.

Pentair has been raising its dividend every year for over 40 years, since 1977. On average, it has increase its dividend by 9% annually over the last ten years.

The stock is up around 30% in the last twelve months.

7. Conagra Brands Inc. (NYSE: CAG) will go ex-dividend on Thursday, January 26.

The consumer packaged goods company offers a dividend yield of 2% and will pay its next $0.20 dividend on March 1.

At the end of 2016, Conagra slashed its dividend 20% from $0.25. The cut came after the company had maintained its dividend since 2012.

In the last twelve months, the stock has been flat.