Dividend stocks have historically delivered higher total returns with lower volatility than the broader market. However, that doesn't mean they don't decline during market sell-offs. While some may not fall as much as the major indexes, corrections tend to be widespread.

The good news is that market sell-offs are often opportunities to scoop up high-quality dividend stocks with even higher dividend yields because they move in the opposite direction of stock prices. Given those circumstances, it makes sense to have a watch list of top dividend stocks you want to buy during market sell-offs. Three that should top any list are NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE), Brookfield Infrastructure (NYSE: BIPC)(NYSE: BIP), and Enbridge (NYSE: ENB). They could deliver supercharged income and total returns following a sell-off.

NextEra Energy has delivered superb dividend growth over the years. The leading clean energy-focused utility has increased its payout at a roughly 10% compound annual rate over the last 20 years. It has also delivered healthy compound annual earnings (9%) and operating cash flow (8%) growth over the past two decades. Those catalysts have helped power market-crushing total returns (over 1,700% for NextEra compared to about 600% for the S 500).

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Source Fool.com