These companies should have no trouble continuing to increase their dividends in 2026.Investing in dividend stocks is a proven way to grow wealth. Over the last 50 years, dividend stocks have delivered more than double the average annual total return compared to non-dividend payers, according to data from Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds. The highest total returns have come from companies that steadily increase their dividend payments. Brookfield Renewable (BEPC +1.36%)(BEP +0.79%), Realty Income (O 0. ...