Want Passive Income? Try These 3 Dividend Stocks

NYSE: ABBV | AbbVie Inc.  News, Ratings, and Charts

ABBV – Despite a decline in inflation in July, persistent concerns over a potential recession could keep the market volatile in the upcoming months. Therefore, it could be wise to invest in dividend stocks AbbVie (ABBV), Emerson Electric (EMR), and Becton Dickinson (BDX) to navigate the market volatility with solid passive income. Let’s discuss….

The economy has experienced a slowdown for two consecutive quarters this year amid the rising interest rate environment. While the decline in inflation in July from the multi-decade high level provides investors some relief, the 8.5% CPI level is still uncomfortable for policymakers. Elevated inflation and a red-hot job market could push the Fed to maintain its hawkish policy stance. So, the market is expected to remain volatile.

Given this backdrop, dividend stocks have been gaining popularity among investors as they offer a steady passive income stream. Investors’ interest in dividend stocks is evident in the iShares Core High Dividend ETF’s (HDV) 6.5% returns over the past year.

Therefore, investors looking to generate passive income could consider adding stocks AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), Emerson Electric Co. (EMR), and Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) to their portfolios. These stocks have consistently increased their dividends for several years.

AbbVie Inc. (ABBV)

ABBV is engaged in developing, manufacturing, and selling pharmaceuticals globally. It offers its products in various categories: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, and women’s healthcare. The company markets its products to wholesalers, distributors, government agencies, health care facilities, and independent retailers.

ABBV’s four-year average dividend yield is 4.63%, and its current dividend translates to a 4% yield. Its dividends have grown at a 9.9% CAGR in the past three years and a 17.5% CAGR in the past five years. The company has increased its dividend for eight consecutive years.

On July 26, 2022, the European Commission approved the company’s RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for treating adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response and lost response or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent. This approval should strengthen ABBV’s ability to treat patients with ulcerative colitis.

ABBV’s net revenues increased 4.5% year-over-year to $14.58 billion in the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. The company’s non-GAAP net earnings increased 10.7% from the year-ago value to $6 billion, while its adjusted EPS rose 11.2% from the prior-year quarter to $3.37.

Analysts expect ABBV’s EPS and revenue to increase 8.1% and 4.5% year-over-year to $3.60 and $14.99 billion, respectively, in the third quarter ending September 30, 2022. It surpassed the Street EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. ABBV has gained 22.7% over the past year to close the last trading session at $140.94.

ABBV’s strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The company has an overall rating of A, which translates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.

It also has an A grade for Quality and a B for Growth and Value. Also, it is ranked #9 of 172 stocks in the Medical – Pharmaceuticals industry. To see additional POWR Ratings for Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment for ABBV, click here.

Emerson Electric Co. (EMR)

EMR manufactures and sells technology and engineering products worldwide for industrial, commercial, and consumer markets. The company operates through Automation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutions segments.

On July 27, 2022, EMR’s subsidiary Aspen Technology, Inc. (AZPN) announced the acquisition of Micromine, an end-to-end mining software provider. This acquisition will diversify AZPN’s footprint into the metals and mining market through end-to-end software providers and accelerate EMR’s long-term growth prospects.

On August 2, 2022, the company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.51 per share of common stock payable on September 9, 2022.

EMR has increased dividends for 25 consecutive years. Its dividend payouts have grown at a 1.67% CAGR in the past three years and a 1.42% CAGR in the five years. Its current dividend translates to a 2.35% yield, while its four-year average yield is 2.68%.

During the fiscal third quarter ended June 30, 2022, EMR’s net sales increased 6.5% year-over-year to $5 billion. Its EBIT increased 52.4% year-over-year to $1.19 billion. The company’s net earnings grew 46.9% from the year-ago value to $921 million, while its adjusted EPS grew 16% from the prior-year quarter to $1.38. Also, its adjusted EBITA rose 21.3% year-over-year to $1.14 billion.

Analysts expect EMR’s revenue for the fourth quarter ending September 30, 2022, to increase 9.3% year-over-year to $5.41 billion. Street expects its EPS to increase 17.4% year-over-year to $1.42 in the ongoing quarter. It surpassed the EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The stock has gained 8.5% over the past month to close the last trading session at $87.03.

EMR’s POWR Ratings reflect solid prospects. According to our proprietary rating system, it has an overall rating of B, translating to a Buy.

It has a B grade for Sentiment and Quality. The stock is ranked #14 out of 91 in the Industrial – Equipment industry. Click here to see the other ratings of EMR for Growth, Value, Momentum, and Stability.

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX)

BDX is engaged in developing, manufacturing, and selling a range of medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products. The company operates through three business segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional.

BDX’s four-year average dividend yield is 1.28%, and its forward annual dividend of $3.48 translates to a 1.35% yield. Its dividends have grown at 4.2% and 4% CAGRs over the past three and five years, respectively. BDX has increased dividends for 49 consecutive years.

On August 09, 2022, BDX collaborated with Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings (LH), a leading global life sciences company, to develop flow cytometry-based companion diagnostics for matching patients with treatments.

LH’s chief scientific officer, Dr. Bill Hanlon, said, “Flow cytometry is a trusted and powerful tool for analyzing cells to better understand disease, and it has tremendous untapped potential as a companion diagnostic in oncology and other therapeutic areas.” Analysts expect the combined capabilities of both companies to advance flow cytometry as an essential companion diagnostic modality for cancer and other diseases.

For the fiscal 2022 third quarter ended June 30, 2022, BDX’s revenues increased marginally year-over-year to $4.64 billion. The company’s operating income came in at $537 million, up 9.1% from the prior-year period, while its adjusted EPS rose 16.7% year-over-year to $2.66.

For the fourth quarter, ending September 30, 2022, BDX’s EPS is expected to increase 6.4% year-over-year to $2.75. Its revenue is expected to increase 3.2% year-over-year to $19.43 billion for fiscal 2023. BDX surpassed Street EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 11.1% to close the last trading session at $258.56.

BDX’s POWR Ratings reflect this promising outlook. The stock has an overall rating of B, which equates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. It has a B grade for Growth, Stability, and Sentiment.

Within the Medical – Devices & Equipment industry, it is ranked #25 out of 145 stocks. Click here to see the other ratings of BDX for Value, Momentum, and Quality.


ABBV shares were trading at $141.01 per share on Thursday morning, up $0.07 (+0.05%). Year-to-date, ABBV has gained 7.11%, versus a -10.00% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


About the Author: Shweta Kumari


Shweta's profound interest in financial research and quantitative analysis led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. She uses her knowledge to help retail investors make educated investment decisions. More...


More Resources for the Stocks in this Article

TickerPOWR RatingIndustry RankRank in Industry
ABBVGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating
EMRGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating
BDXGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating

Most Popular Stories on StockNews.com


Updated 2024 Stock Market Outlook

The bull market continues to rage on with the S&P 500 (SPY) making new highs. That is the past...the question is what does the future hold? That is why 44 year investment veteran Steve Reitmeister provides this updated 2024 Stock Market Outlook to help you carve a path to outperformance the rest of the year. Read on below for the full story...

3 Energy Stocks Set to Soar Beyond Expectations

Given the geopolitical tensions, increasing global oil demand, and supply adjustments, the energy sector is poised for robust growth. Therefore, investors might consider investing in energy stocks TechnipFMC (FTI), Weatherford International (WFRD), and ChampionX (CHX), which are poised to exceed expectations. Keep reading…

Has Carnival (CCL) Stock Turned Into a Buy After Earnings Release?

Carnival Corporation (CCL) reported record revenue in its most recent quarter but still faces a negative bottom line. The collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge brings more uncertainty to its financials. Given these events, what stance should one take with CCL stock? Read more to find out…

3 China Stocks Positioned for Long-Term Growth

Despite facing challenges, the Chinese economy has demonstrated resilience, as evidenced by recent robust industrial output and retail sales data. Given this outlook, it might be an opportune time to own three top-notch China stocks, JD.com, Inc. (JD), China Automotive Systems (CAAS), and Youdao, Inc. (DAO). Read on…

Investor Alert: “Buy the Rumor, Sell the News!”

Everyone knows that the Fed is going to cut rates at some point this year. That is the worst kept secret on the planet helping to explain how we keep making new highs for the for the S&P 500 (SPY). Unfortunately that creates an interesting predicament for stocks after rates are cut. Plus another hurdle in the 2024 Presidential election. Steve Reitmeister is here to share his insights on the market outlook along with a preview of his top 12 stocks to outperform. Read on for more...

Read More Stories

More AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) News View All

Event/Date Symbol News Detail Start Price End Price Change POWR Rating
Loading, please wait...
View All ABBV News