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. The Kraft Heinz Company

The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC ) offers a dividend yield of 2.74% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $80.22 and pays a dividend of $2.20. The stock is down 12.16% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates The Kraft Heinz Company as “Recommended”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.5 (sector average is 3.9).

2. ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips (COP ) offers a dividend yield of 5.24% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $56.49 and pays a dividend of $2.96. The stock is down 35.14% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates ConocoPhillips as “Recommended”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.5 (sector average is 3.7).

3. Banco Latinoamericano

Banco Latinoamericano (BLX ) offers a dividend yield of 5.43% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $28.35 and pays a dividend of $1.54. The stock is down 18.77% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Banco Latinoamericano 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).

4. Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada (RY ) offers a dividend yield of 5.20% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $59.19 and pays a dividend of $3.08. The stock is down 22.20% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Royal Bank of Canada as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.6).

5. Value Line

Value Line (VALU ) offers a dividend yield of 4.53% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $14.12 and pays a dividend of $0.64. The stock is down 19.31% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Value Line as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.0 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.5 (sector average is 3.6).

6. Cobiz Financial

Cobiz Financial (COBZ ) offers a dividend yield of 1.41% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $12.74 and pays a dividend of $0.18. The stock is down 6.32% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Cobiz Financial as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 2.8 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.0 (sector average is 3.6).