Dividend stocks have been the backbone of market returns for over a century, contributing roughly two-thirds of total returns since 1900, according to a report by the Hartford Funds. Companies that consistently raise their dividends have been particularly strong performers,

Every month, we screen for dividend payers with relatively higher yields. Check out our top five dividend stocks according to dividend yield.

High yields aren’t everything. Yes, finding stocks with 10%+ yields can be very enticing, and in some cases, it's sustainable. But time and again, I’ve seen such companies fall from their highs, and,