These companies offer above-average income streams and growth profiles. Dividend stocks are proven wealth builders. The average dividend stock has delivered above-average annual total returns over the long term, with the highest returns coming from companies that consistently increase their dividends. The average dividend grower has delivered a 10.2% annualized total return over the last five decades compared to 7.7% for the average member of the S&P 500, according to data from Hartford Funds and Ned Davis ...