Key Points

Despite facing some headwinds, these three companies still have strong long-term prospects.
All three have raised their payouts for more than 50 consecutive years.

Many investors seek major gains by acquiring shares in leading artificial intelligence firms. This makes sense since the sector has already delivered and may continue to offer several transformative opportunities. It is wise to pursue such prospects. At the same time, it remains essential to consider other reliable approaches for generating solid long-term returns, including investments in established dividend-paying companies. With that in mind, here are three dividend stocks worth buying now: AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT), and Becton, Dickinson (NYSE: BDX).

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1. AbbVie

AbbVie, a prominent pharmaceutical firm, has struggled this year with shares falling 5 percent year to date. Much of this reflects wider weakness across healthcare rather than company-specific issues. Its financial performance has actually been solid, with first-quarter results beating estimates. The long-term outlook stays positive as well. Skyrizi and Rinvoq, its primary growth drivers, continue to exceed forecasts and should fuel expansion well into the next decade.

The company also benefits from other key products such as its Botox line. It maintains a rich pipeline featuring promising candidates that could drive future growth, including potential entries in the weight-loss space. AbbVie has navigated major patent expirations before and is positioned to do so again through ongoing innovation. In addition, it stands out as a strong dividend payer and belongs to the Dividend Kings group with at least 50 straight years of increases. These elements combine to make AbbVie a compelling dividend stock for long-term holding.

2. Walmart

Walmart shares declined sharply following its most recent earnings report. Although results were decent, the forward guidance raised concerns. The company could face near-term pressure from economic factors like inflation and tariffs that may reduce store visits and slow sales. Even so, it remains an attractive long-term holding for three main reasons. First, Walmart should outperform many retail peers in a tough environment thanks to its Everyday Low Price strategy and vast store network, which support steady sales and earnings even during a potential recession.

Second, Walmart is advancing higher-margin areas that can lift profits over time. Its e-commerce business has expanded faster than core operations for years and is fueling growth in digital advertising, another profitable segment. Both areas offer extended growth potential. Finally, the retailer boasts an impressive dividend history with 53 consecutive years of increases, earning it Dividend King status. Walmart offers a solid income opportunity for patient investors.

3. Becton, Dickinson

Becton, Dickinson has dealt with ongoing difficulties amid economic pressures and modest revenue and earnings growth, causing its shares to trail the broader market. Still, the stock can generate competitive returns, particularly with dividends reinvested, for those willing to wait. The medical device leader continues to hold a strong position in its field by supplying essential tools that healthcare providers use daily, such as needles, syringes, specimen collection devices, and infusion systems.

More than 90 percent of revenue comes from recurring consumables. The company has also divested lower-growth units, including its biosciences and diagnostic solutions segment, which should support improved sales momentum going forward. It sees meaningful opportunities in the GLP-1 market by providing prefillable syringes for these medications and has set a target of 1 billion dollars in related revenue by decade end, having already reached nearly half that mark. Its focus on innovation should unlock additional avenues for expansion. Becton, Dickinson is likewise a Dividend King with 54 straight years of payout growth, making its shares attractive on any pullback for income-focused buyers.