Dividend Capture Strategy: 15 High Yield Stocks to Buy in April

8. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)

Ex-Dividend Date: April 11

Dividend Yield as of March 30: 2.23%

General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) is an aerospace and defence corporation, based in Virginia. As one of the two leading military shipbuilders, the company also produces tanks and land vehicles, making it a key supplier for the US Army. Additionally, it operates one of the largest defense-focused IT and services divisions, providing revenue stability even when the Pentagon scales back on equipment purchases.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) generated $13.3 billion in revenue, reflecting a 14.3% increase from the same period a year earlier and surpassing analysts’ expectations by $521.4 million. By year-end, the company’s backlog stood at $90.6 billion. Management also estimated the potential contract value—including unfunded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and unexercised options—at $53.4 billion. When combined, the total estimated contract value reached $144 billion, representing a 9.1% increase from the prior year.

General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) has a solid cash position as it generated $2.2 billion in operating cash flow in the most recent quarter. This figure represented 188% of its net earnings. Moreover, the company distributed $3 billion to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases. In March, it hiked its quarterly dividend by 5.6% to $1.50 per share. This was the company’s 28th consecutive year of dividend growth. With a dividend yield of 2.23%, as of March 30, GD is one of the best dividend stocks for a dividend capture strategy.