A dividend isn't the only way for companies to increase shareholder value. Apple's announcement also includes $10 billion in share buybacks over the next few years, which represents only around 10 , Hormel's dividend yield is around 3.8%, which is nearly three times the level of the S&P 500 index. It also happens to be near the highest levels in the food maker's history., Ex-dividend date The ex-dividend date (coinciding with the reinvestment date for shares held subject to a dividend reinvestment plan) is an investment term involving the timing of payment of dividends on stocks of corporations, income trusts, and other financial holdings, both publicly and privately held., That makes them great dividend stocks to buy and hold for the next 20 years. Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity, The company's next expected date of dividend payment will be Sept. 27. In terms of cash flow, the company generated $61 million in 2012, and paid 44% of that -- $27 million -- in dividends., At recent prices, the stock offers a 2.8% dividend yield. That's more than double the average yield you'd receive from dividend payers in the S&P 500 index..