Dividend stocks are usually thought of as a way to provide stable, passive returns. However, the magnitude of their importance is often overlooked. Since 1926, dividends have accounted for roughly 32% of the total return of the S&P 500. Failing to capitalize on these regular payments is a surefire way to ensure substandard gains.There is always a delicate balance that needs to be found — capital appreciation is one of the most reliable ways to determine whether or not a business will be able to maintain or ...