Dividends are a key way these three companies pass along profits to their shareholders.Dividends can be an excellent way to generate passive income no matter what the stock market is doing. The best dividend-paying companies reward long-term investors with a blend of dividend income and capital gains. Still, there are some nuances to dividend investing worth considering.Some folks prefer steady and ultra-reliable companies like Coca-Cola (KO 0.64%) or Air Products and Chemicals (APD -0.05%). Others may grav ...