Though the major stock indexes have consistently increased in value over the long run, getting from Point A to B is far from a straight line. Investors were given this stern reminder last year, with all three indexes delivering their worst returns since 2008.

But if there's been a bright spot during the current bear market, it's dividend stocks. Companies paying a regular dividend are usually profitable and have transparent long-term growth outlooks. What's more, they have a history of vastly outperforming stocks that don't pay a dividend over multiple decades.

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Source Fool.com