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. TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade (AMTD ) offers a dividend yield of 1.62% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $36.98 and pays a dividend of $0.60. The stock is down 5.30% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates TD Ameritrade 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).

2. EQT Midstream Partners

EQT Midstream Partners (EQM ) offers a dividend yield of 3.20% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $79.95 and pays a dividend of $2.56. The stock is down 18.98% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates EQT Midstream Partners as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.7).

3. Sanderson Farms

Sanderson Farms (SAFM ) offers a dividend yield of 1.24% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $70.94 and pays a dividend of $0.88. The stock is down 29% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Sanderson Farms 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).

4. Valero Energy Corporation

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO ) offers a dividend yield of 2.42% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $66.04 and pays a dividend of $1.60. The stock is down 3.27% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Valero Energy as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.7).

5. Bryn Mawr Bank

Bryn Mawr Bank (BMTC ) offers a dividend yield of 2.76% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $28.95 and pays a dividend of $0.80. The stock is down 8.85% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Bryn Mawr Bank as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.5 (sector average is 3.6).

6. Dime Bancorp

Dime Bancorp (DCOM ) offers a dividend yield of 3.32% based on Wednesday’s closing price of $16.86 and pays a dividend of $0.56. The stock is down 6.33% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Dime Bancorp as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.2 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.5 (sector average is 3.6).