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. Southwest Gas Corp.

Southwest Gas Corp. (SWX ) offers a dividend yield of 2.95% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $54.98 and pays a dividend of $1.62. The stock is down 14.36% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Southwest Gas 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).

2. Amgen

Amgen (AMGN ) offers a dividend yield of 1.87% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $168.56 and pays a dividend of $3.16. The stock is down 7.29% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Amgen as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 4.0).

3. Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins (COL ) offers a dividend yield of 1.52% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $86.78 and pays a dividend of $1.32. The stock is down 12.67% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Rockwell Collins as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.8).

4. Vectren Corporation

Vectren Corporation (VVC ) offers a dividend yield of 3.61% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $42.11 and pays a dividend of $1.52. The stock is down 14.88% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Vectren Corporation 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).

5. United Parcel Service

United Parcel Service (UPS ) offers a dividend yield of 2.84% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $102.99 and pays a dividend of $2.92. The stock is down 9.97% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates United Parcel Service 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).

6. Icahn Enterprises LP

Icahn Enterprises LP (IEP ) offers a dividend yield of 7.87% based on Tuesday’s closing price of $76.25 and pays a dividend of $6. The stock is down 33.03% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Icahn Enterprises LP 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).