For long-term investors, dividends are a critical piece of the performance puzzle. Here's an almost unbelievable statistic from Harford Funds: Since 1960, 85% of the S&P 500's cumulative total return was tied to reinvesting dividends.

However, not all dividend stocks are created equal. High yields can sometimes come with high risks, so investors should focus on high-quality companies capable of sustaining and growing their dividend payments over time. Two of the best bets right now are British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI) and Tanger (NYSE: SKT).

Consumption of cigarettes and other combustible products is in decline, particularly in the U.S. British American Tobacco expects global tobacco industry volume to be down around 3% this year, and the company has seen a 9% decline in the U.S. year to date.

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Source Fool.com