If you want to build a solid and profitable portfolio, you can't go wrong with dividend stocks. These stocks reward you with regular cash payments just for holding them. Moreover, dividends have accounted for the bulk of total returns from the U.S. stock market since 1900, a fact that often gets overlooked in today's growth-oriented market.

However, not all dividend stocks are table-pounding buys. Some are much better than others in terms of their quality, growth potential, and risk profile. The best dividend stocks are those that come from companies with a strong competitive advantage, reliable and increasing revenue, and healthy free cash flows.

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Source Fool.com