6 Top Dividend Stocks Of 2014 Outperformed Market

Some investors shy away from high-growth companies that have potential for explosive gains — and losses — to pursue stocks of slower, steadily-growing companies that provide a reliable stream of income in the form of dividends. That's not to say such stocks can't outperform. In fact, when the market pulls back and growth stocks start acting weak or sluggish, income stocks tend to rise.

Today we'll take a look at some of the top income-producing stocks that were highlighted in the column last year. These stocks boast the highest dividend yields, have a top-notch Earnings Stability Factor (the lower the better) and decent relative strength. Tobacco stocks currently top the Dividend Leaders list. Reynolds American (NYSE:RAI) and Altria Group (NYSE:MO) come in first and second.Moving on to the Utility Leaders, National Grid (NYSE:NGG) comes in first with a 6.8% yield. Up next is Teco Energy (NYSE:TE), with a 4.3% yield. Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE:SNH), which owns senior living communities, medical office buildings and other facilities in most states, currently yields 7.2%. Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW), which acquires and leases hospitals and other medical facilities, its annualized yield is 6.4%

Source: Investor's Business Daily

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