Dividends are an effective income generation tool for both short and long term investors. To capitalise 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 2-6 weeks after the Ex-Date. For more information please check out Everything Investors Need to Know About Ex-Dividend Dates.

1. Spectra Energy

Spectra Energy (SE ) offers a dividend yield of 5.05% based on Thursday’s closing price of $29.33 and pays a dividend of $1.48. The stock is down 30.46% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Spectra Energy as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 37).

2. Home Bancshares

Home Bancshares (HOMB ) offers a dividend yield of 1.22% based on Thursday’s closing price of $40.89 and pays a dividend of $0.50. The stock is down 0.99% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Home Bancshares 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. Pool Corp

Pool Corp (POOL ) offers a dividend yield of 1.48% based on Thursday’s closing price of $70.37, and pays a dividend of $1.04. The stock is down 3.40% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Pool Corp 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. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc

Fresh Del Monte Produce (FDP ) offers a dividend yield of 1.30% based on Thursday’s closing price of $38.41 and pays a dividend of $0.50. The stock is down 6.68% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.9).

5. Cash America

Cash America (CSH ) offers a dividend yield of 0.77% based on Thursday’s closing price of $26.00 and pays a dividend of $0.20. The stock is down 9.34% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Cash America 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).

6. Bank Financial

Bank Financial (BFIN ) offers a dividend yield of 1.34% based on Thursday’s closing price of $11.97 and pays a dividend of $0.16. The stock is down 12.11% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Bank Financial as “Neutral” with a DARS™ rating of 3.1 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.0 (sector average is 3.6).