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. Aaron’s Inc.

Aaron’s Inc. (AAN ) offers a dividend yield of 0.24% based on Friday’s closing price of $37.88 and pays a dividend of 9 cents. The stock is down 4.56% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Aaron’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 3.7).

2. Six Flags Entertainment

Six Flags Entertainment (SIX ) offers a dividend yield of 4.60% based on Friday’s closing price of $45.19 and pays a dividend of $2.08. The stock is down 11.55% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Six Flags Entertainment 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. Home Depot

Home Depot (HD ) offers a dividend yield of 2.01% based on Friday’s closing price of $117.52 and pays a dividend of $2.36. The stock is down 5.07% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Home Depot 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).

4. Cohen & Steers

Cohen & Steers (CNS ) offers a dividend yield of 3.26% based on Friday’s closing price of $30.64 and pays a dividend of $1.00. The stock is down 35.03% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Cohen & Steers as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.2 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.6).

5. Telefonica Brasil SA

Telefonica Brasil SA (VIV ) offers a dividend yield of 0.05% based on Friday’s closing price of $11.19 and pays a dividend of 1 cent. The stock is down 50.27% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Telefonica Brasil SA as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.2 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.6).

6. Mosaic Co.

Mosaic Co. (MOS ) offers a dividend yield of 2.68% based on Friday’s closing price of $41.04 and pays a dividend of $1.10. The stock is down 23.76% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Mosaic Co. as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.1 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.7).