Through a combination of regular cash payments and share price gains, dividend stocks can deliver big wins for long-term investors. Even a relatively modest initial investment, such as $500, has the potential to generate large returns over time.

But it's still important to back the right dividend stocks to maximize your investment dollars. Within that mold, read on to see why backing these two companies looks like a smart move right now for income-seeking investors.

Keith Noonan: Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) struggled in recent years as rising interest rates and competition in the telecommunications industry increased bearish sentiment surrounding the stock. But investors could come to regret passing on this income-generating giant.

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Source Fool.com