Dividend stocks have historically been excellent investments. Over the last 50 years, Dividend-paying stocks in the S 500 have outperformed that broad market index. They have produced a 9.2% average annual total return compared to 7.7% for an equal-weighted S 500 index fund, according to data from Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds. The best performances have come from companies that routinely increase their payouts: Such companies have averaged a 10.2% annualized return, versus 6.6% for those with no changes in their dividend policies.

Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) stands out among dividend payers for its consistent ability and willingness to increase its payouts. The Canadian energy infrastructure giant has delivered 28 straight years of dividend growth, and it has plenty of fuel to keep that streak going. That makes it a no-brainer buy for those seeking income and upside potential.

CEO Greg Ebel highlighted the company's value proposition on Enbridge's recent third-quarter conference call:

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Source Fool.com