The best-performing dividend stocks share one thing in common: They grow their dividends. Over the last 50 years, dividend-growth stocks in the S&P 500 have outperformed companies with no change in their dividend policy (10.2% versus 6.6%) and that broader market index (7.7%), according to data from Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds. 

Many dividend growers also satisfy income investors' craving for yield. American Tower (NYSE: AMT), Prologis (NYSE: PLD), and Invitation Homes (NYSE: INVH) currently offer the best of both worlds with above-average yields and strong dividend-growth profiles. That makes them magnificent dividend stocks to buy right now.

American Tower has increased its dividend every year since converting to a real estate investment trust (REIT) in 2012, growing its payout at a more than 20% compound annual rate over that first decade. While dividend growth has slowed recently, the data infrastructure REIT expects to increase its payout by 10% in 2023.

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Source Fool.com