In this article, we will take a look at some of the best high yield stocks to buy in October.
Dividend investing seems like a straightforward approach, but when it comes to actually doing it, you have to dig a lot deeper. These stocks tend to be best suited for the long run, a fact understood by most veteran investors. For years now, dividend grower stocks have outperformed the broader market during economic contraction.
That said, dividend yield is an essential part of dividend investing, and when it comes time to make an investment decision, investors tend to focus on yields. But getting caught up in yield traps is more harmful than helpful. Dan Lefkovitz, a strategist for Morningstar Indexes, made the following comment for investors with a preference for high yields:
“It’s really critical to be selective when it comes to buying dividend-paying stocks and chasing yield. Looking for the most yield-rich areas of the market can often lead you into troubled areas and dividend traps—companies that have a nice-looking yield that is ultimately unsustainable. You have to screen for dividend durability and reliability going forward.”
Although dividend stocks are primarily known for their long-term potential, some investors manage to make a quick buck with a dividend capture strategy. This enables investors to purchase a stock just before a company pays a dividend and sell it shortly after the dividend is paid. The entire objective of this approach is to focus on the dividend income and trade on the stock’s upside in the period prior to dividend declaration.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best stocks for a dividend capture strategy.
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash
Our Methodology
For this list, we selected dividend stocks that will trade ex-dividend in October 2025. 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 September 27. 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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
15. Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 1
Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) is a real estate investment trust that is an active participant in structured finance and asset management, for which it has won awards for strategic acquisitions. Among the biggest transactions are the 2023 acquisition of Sculptor Capital Management and the pending acquisition of Computershare Mortgage Services, which is expected to close in the second quarter. These initiatives are focused on expanding its assets under management (AUM) and enhancing its offerings, solidifying its position in a competitive marketplace.
Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM)’s strategy is focused on diversification and bolstering its mortgage servicing and origination platforms that have been instrumental in propelling its excellent financial performance.
On September 17, Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE:RITM) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Regular dividends have been paid by the company to its shareholders for ten years. The dividend yield on the stock is 8.03% as of September 27. RITM is going ex-dividend on October 1, which makes it one of the best stocks to carry out a dividend capture strategy.
14. Sempra (NYSE:SRE)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 1
Sempra (NYSE:SRE) is involved in regulated utilities and building energy infrastructure. Its utility operations provide electricity and natural gas in California by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), and in Texas by Oncor and Sharyland Utilities. These companies have millions of customers with government-regulated pricing structures that provide stable income and secure cash flows.
Sempra (NYSE:SRE) announced on Sept. 18 a quarterly dividend of $0.645, consistent with the previous dividend. The company most recently increased its payout by 4% in February this year. Oct. 1 is the stock’s ex-dividend date, and it has a 2.91% dividend yield through Sept. 27.
In addition to utilities, Sempra (NYSE:SRE) is a major investor in energy infrastructure like liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects and energy networks in Mexico and the US. The success of this business depends on building, operating, and exporting successfully from these plants. Success drivers are securing regulatory approvals, maintaining capital costs, and navigating the transition of the industry towards renewables and clean fuels. In recent years, Sempra has increasingly depended on regulated utility expansion to provide stability, insulating against vulnerability to non-regulated business.
13. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 3
Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) is an American tobacco company, with its products sold in over 180 countries. The company maintains an 80% payout ratio, which appears manageable in light of its ongoing business transformation. Smoke-free products— led by IQOS heated tobacco and ZYN nicotine pouches— accounted for 39% of 2024 revenue, with many markets already seeing smoke-free products as the majority. The acquisition of Swedish Match gave Philip Morris a strong foothold in the fastest-growing nicotine segment, while the recent dismissal of a lawsuit over ZYN pricing eliminated a significant concern.
IQOS, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM)’s heat-not-burn product, brought in over $3 billion in net revenue and commands a 76% share of the global heat-not-burn market. In Europe, adjusted IQOS sales volumes picked up, climbing 9.1% once regulatory challenges eased, while in Japan, adjusted volumes grew 7.8%, pushing its market share to 31.7%.
On September 19, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) declared an 8.9% hike in its quarterly dividend to $1.47 per share. Through this increase, the company stretched its dividend growth streak to 16 years, which makes it one of the best stocks for a dividend capture strategy. The stock has a dividend yield of 3.57%, as of September 27, and it will go ex-dividend on October 3.
12. Edison International (NYSE:EIX)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 7
Edison International (NYSE:EIX) is a California-based energy holding company that distributes safe and renewable energy and value-added services through its subsidiaries, principally Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and Trio.
In Q2 2025, Edison International (NYSE:EIX) posted good numbers. Revenue was $4.54 billion, up 4.77% year on year. Operating cash flow also went up well to $2.1 billion from $1.3 billion a year ago. The company had $140 million of cash and cash equivalents at quarter-end.
On September 23, Edison International (NYSE:EIX) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.8275 per share, consistent with its last dividend. In total, the company has raised dividends for 21 years in a row. The stock has a dividend yield of 6.02%, as of September 27.
11. Glacier Bancorp Inc. (NYSE:GBCI)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 7
Glacier Bancorp Inc. (NYSE:GBCI) is a regionally-based, community-oriented bank offering conventional banking services including loans, deposits, and treasury products through its eight-state network of branches spread across Montana, Idaho, and Utah. The bank has pursued the growth strategy by adopting strategic acquisitions and organic expansion, and thereby establishing itself as a market leader in the Rocky Mountain area.
Glacier Bancorp Inc. (NYSE:GBCI) has been acquiring banks in the nearby markets for the last couple of years, including, most recently, Bank of Idaho in April 2025. These acquisitions have driven loan and deposit expansion. Credit quality, cost control, and compliance are also top focus areas, with the bank also focusing on technology improvements to stay ahead of growing demand for digital banking products.
On September 23, Glacier Bancorp Inc. (NYSE:GBCI) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share. It was its 162nd consecutive quarterly dividend. Moreover, it has increased its dividends 49 times over this period. Its dividend yield is 2.64%, as of September 27. The stock will go ex-dividend on October 7 and therefore ranks among the best dividend stocks for a dividend capture strategy.
10. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 7
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY) is a publisher and licensor of professional and research journals, online learning environments, and education products. It makes the majority of its revenues today from digital and online products, which represented 83% of Adjusted Revenue in FY2025, much of which was fueled by subscription and institution affiliations.
Over the past few years, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY) has focused on advancing its digital drive, enabling recurring revenue streams, and international partnership growth. Its prime goals are to sustain a high level of revenue from digital and recurring models, maintain close ties with professional societies in journal material, grow in new markets globally, and capitalize on high growth in open access and AI-related publishing.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY) is paying a current quarterly dividend of $0.355 a share and has increased it by 0.7% this June. It was the 32nd year in a row that the company increased its dividend. Dividend yield is 3.56%, as of September 27.
9. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 10
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a major US telecom, serving consumers and businesses with wireless, wireline, and now fiber internet. Its network delivers mobile and fixed services enabled by next-generation 5G technology and extensive fiber access.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) focuses its strategy on increasing 5G and fiber services to more customers while retiring its outdated copper network, to become more efficient and reduce costs. It all hinges on bringing in high-value subscribers across bundled offerings, having a solid network reliability, and being competitive on the wireless and home internet fronts. Regulatory changes and continuing investments in areas such as cybersecurity and data analytics are also critical to fostering innovation and sustainable growth over the long term.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) will go ex-dividend on 10 October, making it one of the best stocks for a dividend capture strategy. According to current data, the company pays its shareholders $0.2775 per share per quarter and has a dividend yield of 3.92%.
8. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 14
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of processed food. It has three segments: Grocery Products, which is the largest producer of manufactured meat and food products for retail sales in the United States and includes branded retail products such as Planters, SPAM, Skippy, Herdez, Jennie-O and Hormel; Foodservice, which supplies food products for use in restaurants and other foodservice operations; and International, which sells internationally and manages foreign investments.
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) posted its quarterly earnings results recently. It wasn’t much of a stretch. Analysts had forecast $0.41 per share on $2.98 billion in revenue. The organic products sales increased 6% versus the prior year, and overall revenue grew 4.5%. Still, earnings per share slumped 5.4% year-on-year, and the company added to investor disappointment with soft forward guidance.
On the other hand, for investors seeking income, Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) may be worth a glance, given that it has a dividend policy. The company has been increasing its dividends for 59 years consecutively and has now declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share. The stock offers a dividend yield of 4.69%, as of 27th September.
7. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 15
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA), one of the nation’s largest apartment owners, generates consistent rental income that supports its high-yield dividend. The equity REIT remains well-capitalized and has ample financial flexibility to grow both via development and acquisitions.
Since its 1994 IPO, Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) has never cut or suspended its dividend, and by September 2025, it had raised its payout for 15 consecutive years. The apartment demand continues to remain strong, and the REIT is poised to keep lifting dividends forward. At the same time, it had nearly $1 billion in apartment projects under construction, establishing a foundation for more growth.
On September 23, Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.515 per share, in line with previous payout. The stock yields 4.34% on the dividend, as of September 27. MAA will go ex-dividend on Oct 15, making it one of the top dividend stocks for a dividend capture strategy.
6. The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 15
The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) is a specialty retailer with a focused emphasis on denim for men and women. Stores also offer a combination of popular brand labels and private label merchandise, with jeans, footwear, and accessories to address all genders and a wide spectrum of styles and fits.
In recent years, The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) has been pursuing growth by expanding its private label product range, improving the in-store and online shopping experience, and maintaining excellent customer service standards. It generates 42.5% of its net sales from denim, its primary category, in fiscal 2024. The retailer benefits from personalized in-store service and is witnessing steady channel-agnostic growth, bolstered by effective loyalty programs and its ability to adapt quickly to rapidly shifting consumer preferences and stocking needs.
The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE)’s dividend history makes it an appealing option for income investors. The company has been paying dividends for the last 20 years, and now it has distributed $0.35 as a quarterly dividend. A 2.34% dividend yield supported the stock price as of 27 September.
5. ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. (NYSE:ARR)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 15
ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. (NYSE:ARR) is a real estate investment trust that invests in residential mortgage-backed securities, such as fixed-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, and adjustable-rate securities.
ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. (NYSE:ARR) is committed to increasing access to homeownership and to providing value to its shareholders. The trust’s approach is focused on selectively acquiring and actively managing a well-diversified, leveraged portfolio of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”). A significant focus for ARMOUR is on maintaining steady dividend payments to common stockholders, emphasizing the long-term results rather than short-term market movements.
ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. (NYSE:ARR) is popular amongst dividend investors because it pays them monthly. Also, it has consistently paid dividends to its shareholders for the past 14 years. It currently offers a monthly dividend of $0.24 per share, for a dividend yield of 19.77%, as of September 27.
4. SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 17
SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) is an oil and gas exploration and production company concentrated on US oil and natural gas. Its base of operations is in Midland Basin and South Texas, with a purchase in Utah’s Uinta Basin following a massive acquisition. The company’s growth is predicated on high quality, production growth, and cash flow accretive assets.
Recently, SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) has been focused on developing and enhancing Uinta Basin assets, increasing production efficiency, and strengthening its balance sheet. The company is being driven by operational excellence in every respect, a couple of very good quality portfolios of assets, excellent financial discipline, and risk controls that include hedging and cost control.
On September 25, SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, maintaining the same dividend. It has never failed to pay a dividend for the past three decades. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.90%, as of September 27.
3. The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 22
The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is a consumer products company that is best known for its bathroom and kitchen staples — household cleaners, disinfecting wipes, and bleach — alongside trash bags, grilling supplies, cat litter, and even condiments. The company derives approximately 80% of its sales from brands that hold the first or second position in their categories, establishing a significant brand-based competitive advantage.
Apart from its flagship Clorox brand, The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX)’s portfolio also comprises Kingsford charcoal, Burt’s Bees skincare, Hidden Valley Ranch dressings, Fresh Step cat litter, Pine-Sol cleaners, Brita water filters, Glad food storage products, and Liquid-Plumr drain cleaner. That’s a combination of well-known household names, and the company can be counted on to be resilient in tough times, which is something that stands out with markets up at record highs.
The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is currently paying a quarterly dividend of $1.24 per share, after increasing it by 1.6% in July. It was the 22nd straight year of dividend increases for the company, which places it as one of the best dividend stocks for a dividend capture strategy. As of September 27, the stock supports a dividend yield of 3.99%.
2. CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 23
CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) is much more than a pharmacy chain. Besides dispensing medications, it offers healthcare services such as lab work, health screenings, vaccinations, and treatment for minor injuries at its in-store clinics. The business has a workforce of more than 40,000 healthcare practitioners, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners, to provide these services.
CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) owns Aetna, a health insurer, having acquired it in 2018. Aetna is the fifth largest health insurer in the U.S. with coverage for 36 million people.
CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) commands about 27% of the nationwide prescription volume in the pharmacy line of business. In recent years, it has focused on growing its value-based healthcare model, with the acquisitions of Signify Health and Oak Street Health serving as examples. These additions enhance its primary care and home-based care solutions capabilities, in pursuit of offering more customized services, lowering healthcare costs, and staying competitive in the face of evolving industry wind conditions.
CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) has been paying dividends consistently to its shareholders since 1997. The company currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.665 per share, and as of 27 September, the stock has a 3.51% dividend yield.
1. Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ:SCHL)
Ex-Dividend Date: October 31
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ:SCHL) is the leading publisher and distributor of children’s books, magazines, and other educational materials. With so much of its business tied up with public schools, it’s dependent on local and municipal budgets. It said “funding uncertainties” in these institutions had weighed on its performance in the quarter ended July 31, with the education solutions unit hit hardest. That division’s revenue dropped 28% to slightly more than $40 million.
In spite of this uncertainty, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ:SCHL) maintained its FY guidance. The adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be within a range of $160 million to $170 million, and revenue is expected to increase by 2% to 4% over the previous fiscal year.
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ:SCHL) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share on September 17th. It has been paying dividends for a long time, and its dividend record is impressive. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.9% as of September 27. SCHL will trade ex-dividend on October 31, 2023. If you own it on that date, you will be eligible to receive the dividend. This makes it one of the top plays to capture dividends.
While we acknowledge the potential of SCHL to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SCHL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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