Dividends are an effective income generation tool for both short- and long-term investors. To capitalize on dividends, investors must ensure that they purchase the stock before the ex-dividend date and hold the stock through this period. Payments for dividends usually occur two to six weeks after the Ex-Date. For more information please check out Everything Investors Need to Know About Ex-Dividend Dates.
1. Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin (LMT ) offers a dividend yield of 2.97% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $202.12 and pays a dividend of $6.00. The stock is down 5.26% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Lockheed Martin as “Recommended”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.5 (sector average is 3.8).
2. Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs (GS ) offers a dividend yield of 1.41% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $184.40 and pays a dividend of $2.60. The stock is down 15.71% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Goldman Sachs as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.6).
3. Kellogg Co.
Kellogg Co. (K ) offers a dividend yield of 2.99% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $66.93 and pays a dividend of $2.00. The stock is down 4.22% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Kellogg Co. as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.5 (sector average is 3.9).
4. Hartford Financial Services
Hartford Financial Services (HIG ) offers a dividend yield of 1.82% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $46.23 and pays a dividend of $0.84. The stock is down 9.26% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Hartford Financial Services as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.5 (sector average is 3.6).
5. Carter's Inc.
Carter’s Inc. (CRI ) offers a dividend yield of 0.91% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $96.96 and pays a dividend of $0.88. The stock is down 11.48% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Carter’s Inc. as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.9).
6. McDonald's
McDonald’s (MCD ) offers a dividend yield of 3.57% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $95.15 and pays a dividend of $3.40. The stock is down 6.61% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates McDonald’s as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.1 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.5 (sector average is 3.7).
