Dividend Capture Strategy: 14 High Yield Stocks to Buy in April

In this article, we will take a look at the Dividend Capture Strategy: 14 High Yield Stocks to Buy in April. 

Dividend stocks are usually seen as long-term plays, but some investors try to generate quick returns using a dividend capture strategy. The idea involves investors buying a stock just before it pays a dividend and selling it shortly after receiving that payment. The focus stays on collecting the dividend while also trying to benefit from any short-term price movement before the payout.

Dividend stocks have been holding up well in 2026. Ongoing concerns around artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs and earnings have pushed some investors toward more defensive names. These tend to offer steadier earnings and more predictable cash flows. Dan Lefkovitz, a strategist with Morningstar Indexes, said, “Dividend-payers may lag during market environments led by hot growth stocks, but in down periods like 2022 and 2018, they show resilience.”

A report from Morningstar highlighted a few reasons dividend-growth stocks stand out right now. Companies that consistently raise dividends are often profitable and financially stable. That tends to matter more when the market feels uncertain. These companies are also more likely to have competitive advantages. That gives them room to pass on higher costs and protect margins if inflation rises. They also tend to be less volatile than the broader market. For investors looking to play some defense, that stability can be useful.

Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks for a dividend capture strategy.

Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

Our Methodology:

For this list, we selected dividend stocks that will trade ex-dividend in April 2026. The ex-dividend date indicates the cutoff day to buy a stock to receive its upcoming dividend payment. These stocks have dividend yields above 2%, as of March 30. The stocks are ranked according to their ex-dividend dates.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).

14. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:WASH)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 1

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 6.79%

On March 16, Piper Sandler began coverage of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:WASH) with a Neutral rating. It set a $32 price target on the stock. The firm noted that the company continues to operate with relatively thin capital ratios. That situation puts some limits on growth and likely pushes share buybacks lower on the priority list.

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Edward Handy discussed targeted investments across Wealth Management and Commercial Banking. He pointed to the acquisition of assets from Lighthouse Financial Management and the hiring of Jim Brown as Chief Commercial Banking Officer as key steps in that direction. He also said the company brought in an institutional banking team focused on education, healthcare, and nonprofit clients in the Northeast. The expectation is that this team will help generate higher-quality C&I loans and improve deposit growth.

He added that a new branch in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is planned for later in 2026. The move is meant to strengthen the company’s footprint in a market that is seeing steady growth. CFO Ronald Ohsberg reported fourth-quarter net income of $16 million, or $0.83 per share. That compares with $10.8 million, or $0.56 per share, in the prior quarter.

Net interest income came in at $40.7 million. That marks a 5% increase from Q3 and a 24% rise from the same period last year. He also noted that the net interest margin improved to 2.56%. That is up 16 basis points sequentially and 61 basis points year over year. The improvement came from a better funding mix, supported by higher in-market deposits, less reliance on wholesale funding, and disciplined deposit pricing.

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:WASH) operates as the holding company for The Washington Trust Company. The bank is state-chartered and provides financial services through two main segments: Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services.

13. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 6

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 2.11%

On March 26, Truist lowered its price recommendation on JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) to $323 from $330. It reiterated a Hold rating on the shares. The update came as part of a broader note on regional and universal banks. The analyst pointed to ongoing macro concerns and structural pressures that have weighed on sentiment across bank stocks. These include war, interest rates, stagflation, AI displacement, and the rise of private credit. Even with those factors in play, recent updates for the quarter have been fairly positive. The analyst also noted that management teams have sounded constructive about the outlook for the full year.

A March 26 report from Bloomberg said that JPMorgan Chase is preparing a private credit interval fund. The fund would allow investors to redeem up to 7.5% on a quarterly basis. The bank has also asked regulators to allow monthly withdrawals of at least 2%. This approach stands out at a time when many firms cap redemptions at around 5%, which has tightened liquidity across the market. The planned fund will focus mainly on credit investments, including private credit. The bank believes that offering more frequent withdrawal options could better meet investor needs.

CEO Jamie Dimon has also highlighted risks in the credit space. At the same time, the firm continues to direct capital toward selected opportunities.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) operates as a financial holding company. It is involved in investment banking, consumer and small business financial services, commercial banking, transaction processing, and asset management.

12. THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 6

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 2.66%

On March 11, Truist lowered its price recommendation on THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) to $109 from $112. It kept a Hold rating on the shares. The firm pointed to a continued decline in average selling prices. It noted that while the recent trend has been uneven, it has still moved lower since the 2.4% increase seen in July. Truist also said the revised price target reflects slightly higher assumptions for net debt at the company.

In fiscal Q2 2026, the company reported revenue of $2.13 billion. Net income attributable to THOR came in at $17.8 million, while adjusted EBITDA reached $98.1 million. The adjusted EBITDA figure excluded one-time impacts related to restructuring efforts and real estate transactions. The North American Motorized segment showed a clear improvement from the prior year. Both revenue and profitability moved higher during the period.

Net income also benefited from gains tied to real estate transactions, part of the company’s ongoing effort to streamline operations and optimize its footprint. After the quarter, on February 23, 2026, THOR introduced changes to its North American RV operating model. The move is intended to improve synergies and deliver more value to dealers, customers, and shareholders.

THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) manufactures recreational vehicles. The company produces a wide range of RVs in the United States and Europe and sells them, along with related parts and accessories, mainly through independent, non-franchise dealers across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

11. Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 7

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 4.62%

On March 25, Morgan Stanley raised its price recommendation on Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD) to $31 from $29. It reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares. The analyst pointed to strong Q4 results and described the FY26 outlook as “prudent,” noting that it still leaves room for upside. After the earnings report, the firm increased its FY26 estimates by about 14%.

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, President and CEO Shane Smith described 2025 as an outstanding year. He pointed to record profits, expanding margins, and stronger cash flow. He said the company has put in place a foundation for multiyear growth while keeping its financial position solid. At the same time, it continues to invest in the business and return value to shareholders.

Smith also discussed the company’s return to the US equity markets through an IPO. He said the business is becoming leaner, more profitable, and more focused. He highlighted efforts to streamline the Packaged Meats segment, exit non-core operations, and move faster on automation. He also announced the appointment of Donovan Owens as President of North America Pork. He noted that the Fresh Pork segment’s adjusted operating profit increased to $209 million in 2025 from $30 million in 2022. Owens will oversee Fresh Pork, Hog Production, Commodity Risk Management, and the company’s operations in Mexico.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD) is an American food company focused on packaged meats and fresh pork products. It sells products under brands such as Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous. The company operates through three segments: Packaged Meats, Fresh Pork, and Hog Production.

10. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 9

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 3.31%

On March 25, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) launched Cyber.AI, a new solution powered by Claude, Anthropic’s AI model. The platform is designed to help organizations shift their security operations from human-speed responses to continuous, AI-driven capabilities. Cyber.AI combines Accenture’s library of proprietary agents with Claude. The company said the solution builds on more than two decades of cybersecurity delivery experience.

It also brings together the platform and Accenture’s 30,000-plus cybersecurity professionals to help clients move faster and make decisions at scale. The offering includes Agent Shield, part of the Cyber.AI Secure AI and Agents capabilities, which is designed to protect, identify, monitor, and govern autonomous AI agents in real time. Claude serves as the core reasoning engine within Cyber.AI. It is used to analyze security data and support automated decision-making across the cybersecurity lifecycle.

The platform also integrates Claude’s safety features with enterprise controls, including Agent Shield, to keep AI systems operating within defined policies and risk limits. The launch comes as organizations deal with rising AI-driven cyber risks. These risks were highlighted in the Global Cyber Outlook Report 2026 by the World Economic Forum and Accenture. The company said Cyber.AI can help organizations respond at machine speed, improve threat detection, and manage complex environments more efficiently.

The platform has also shown practical benefits. These include faster security processes, broader testing coverage, and fewer vulnerabilities, based on deployments within large enterprises and Accenture’s own systems.

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) provides services across strategy and consulting, technology, operations, Industry X, and Song.

9. BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE:BKU)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 10

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 2.98%

On March 3, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Dave Rochester raised the firm’s price recommendation on BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE:BKU) to $56 from $51. It reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares. He noted that bank stocks went through a volatile stretch, driven by renewed tariff concerns, the collapse of a UK-based lender, ongoing worries about AI-related job losses, and a higher-than-expected January PPI reading. Together, these factors added to near-term uncertainty. Even so, Cantor maintained a bullish view for 2026.

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Chairman, President, and CEO Raj Singh said the board approved an additional $200 million share buyback. Combined with about $50 million still available from the prior authorization, the total capacity reached roughly $250 million. He also noted that the company increased its dividend by $0.02.Looking ahead to 2026, Singh said core loan growth is expected to be around 6%. Residential and other segments are projected to decline by about 8%, leading to total loan growth of roughly 2% to 3%.

He added that NIDDA deposits are expected to grow around 12%, while total deposits, excluding brokered deposits, should increase by about 6%. Revenue, which grew 8% in the prior year, is also expected to rise at a similar pace in 2026.

BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE:BKU) operates as the parent company of BankUnited. The bank provides commercial lending and deposit services to both businesses and consumers through locations in Florida, the New York metropolitan area, and Dallas, Texas. It also offers a range of wholesale banking products through an Atlanta office that focuses on clients in the Southeast.

8. Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 15

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 4.40%

On March 27, Citi analyst James Hardiman lowered the firm’s price recommendation on Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO) to $46 from $54. It kept a Buy rating after the fiscal Q2 report. Citi linked the post-earnings selloff to the company leaving its outlook unchanged, even after delivering a Q2 beat. The firm also said Winnebago still needs to improve inventory turns to reach its target levels.

During the fiscal Q2 2026 earnings call, CEO Michael Happe discussed the rollout of new products, especially in the motorhome segment. He pointed to a focus on combining technology with affordability. He said the company is prioritizing higher-value categories such as Class A diesel, Class C diesel, and the growing Super C segment. The aim is to increase retail value and improve profitability through more durable premium offerings.

He also noted progress in the Winnebago-branded motorhome business. At the same time, the company is working to revive the Towables segment. New products like Access and Grand Design’s Transcend are gaining traction with dealers, showing early signs of momentum. He also highlighted Lithionics, acquired in 2023, as an important differentiator in mobile power solutions. He said its use is expanding beyond RVs into the marine and work-vehicle markets.

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO) produces recreational vehicles and marine products used mainly for leisure travel and outdoor activities. The company also designs and manufactures advanced battery systems that provide house power and support electrical features across a range of outdoor products.

7. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 15

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 5.01%

On March 26, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Kramer lowered the firm’s price recommendation on Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) to $153.50 from $156. It reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares.  The firm said it turned more positive on apartments last year and continues to favor a “regional barbell approach” focused on the Sun Belt and Coastal markets.

Earlier, on March 10, Truist analyst Michael Lewis lowered his price objective on MAA to $142 from $146 and kept a Buy rating. He pointed out that national job growth has come in weaker than expected compared to just a few months ago. That trend is expected to weigh on near-term apartment revenue growth. At the same time, the firm still expects fundamentals in MAA’s markets to improve gradually as the pace of new supply slows.

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) operates as a multifamily real estate investment trust. The company owns, operates, acquires, and selectively develops apartment communities, mainly across the Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Its operations are organized into Same Store, Non-Same Store, and Other segments.

6. UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 15

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 5.13%

On March 26, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Kramer lowered the firm’s price recommendation on UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR) to $43 from $43.50. It maintained an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The analyst said the stock’s discount to peers appears justified, as UDR is expected to lag its peers in growth each year based on the firm’s projections.

Earlier, on March 6, Barclays lowered its price goal on UDR to $42 from $44 and maintained an Overweight rating. The firm also reduced its estimates across the residential REIT sector.

For 2026, UDR guided for FFOA per share between $2.47 and $2.57, with a midpoint of $2.52. That suggests a slight decline of about $0.02, or less than 1%, compared to the $2.54 reported in 2025. Management said that expected same-store revenue and expense growth would translate into roughly 0.125% year-over-year NOI growth at the midpoint.

The company also indicated plans to be a net seller of assets during 2026. Several apartment communities are already being marketed for sale. Bragg added that the company plans to direct capital toward areas with the most attractive risk-adjusted returns. This includes investments in its operating platform, share repurchases, and capital spending aimed at improving NOI.

UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR) operates as a self-administered real estate investment trust. It owns, operates, acquires, renovates, develops, and manages apartment communities across targeted markets in the United States. The company runs its business through two segments: Same-Store Communities and Non-Mature Communities/Other.

Click to continue reading and see the Dividend Capture Strategy: 5 High Yield Stocks to Buy in April.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.