Stocks that pay dividends help investors in two ways: They offer current income, and they give shareholders the prospect for long-term growth. You have to be careful in considering higher-yielding dividend stocks, but below, you'll see why Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), British American Tobacco (NYSEMKT: BTI), and Boeing (NYSE: BA) are worth a closer look, with their 3%-plus dividend yields and potential for gains in the future.Tech stocks aren't generally known for their dividends, but Cisco Systems has committed itself in recent years to making healthy dividend payouts.