Updated on June 27th, 2025 by Bob Ciura
The goal of rational investors is to maximize total return under a given set of constraints.
The three components of expected return are:
- Earnings-per-share growth
- Dividend payments
- Expansion/contraction of the valuation multiple
At Sure Dividend, we believe high-quality dividend growth companies represent the best stocks to buy-and-hold for the long run.
This is why we recommend stocks that have established track records of paying dividends, and raising their dividends over time.
Blue-chip stocks are established, financially strong, and consistently profitable publicly traded companies.
Their strength makes them appealing investments for comparatively safe, reliable dividends and capital appreciation versus less established stocks.
This research report has the following resources to help you invest in blue chip stocks:
This list contains important metrics, including: dividend yields, payout ratios, dividend growth rates, 52-week highs and lows, betas, and more.
There are currently more than 500 securities in our blue chip stocks list.
Even better, investors can maximize their portfolio return by purchasing quality dividend stocks when they are undervalued.
This article discusses the 10 best dividend stocks in the Sure Analysis Research Database currently trading within 10% of their 52-week lows.
The stocks are arranged by annual expected returns, in ascending order.
Table of Contents
The table of contents below allows for easy navigation.
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #10: Molson Coors (TAP)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #9: Healthpeak Properties (DOC)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #8: Elevance Health (ELV)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #7: John B. Sanfilippo & Son (JBSS)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #6: Western Union (WU)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #5: PepsiCo Inc. (PEP)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #4: Insperity Inc. (NSP)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #3: Cabot Corporation (CBT)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #2: Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX)
- Beaten Down Dividend Stock #1: Constellation Brands (STZ)
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #10: Molson Coors (TAP)
- Expected Total Return: 17.3%
Molson Coors Beverage Company, previously Molson Coors Brewing Company, was founded in 1873. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest U.S. brewers, with a variety of brands including Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Carling, Blue Moon, Hop Valley, Leinenkugel’s, Crispin Cider, and Miller Lite through a joint venture called MillerCoors.
It is the fourth largest beer company in the world. In January 2025, Molson purchased an 8.5% stake in Fevertree Drinks plc, which made it the 2nd largest shareholder, advancing its Beyond Beer and premiumization strategy, by expanding into non-alcoholic drinks.
On February 12th, 2025, the company announced a 7% increase to the quarterly dividend to $0.47 per share.
On May 8th, 2025, Molson Coors reported first quarter 2025 results for the period ending March 31st, 2025. For the quarter, the company generated net sales of $2.30 billion, an 11% decrease compared to Q1 2024. Net sales declined 12.3% in Americas, and 6.0% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
On an adjusted basis, earnings-per-share equaled $0.50 versus $0.95 prior.
The company repurchased $59.6 million of its shares in 1Q25. Molson Coors updated its 2025 outlook and now expects net sales to decrease by a low single-digit percent on a constant currency basis, and adjusted EPS to increase by a low single-digit.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on TAP (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #9: Healthpeak Properties (DOC)
- Expected Total Return: 17.3%
Healthpeak Properties is the largest healthcare REIT in the U.S., with 774 properties. It was the first healthcare REIT that was included in the S&P 500.
The REIT invests in life science facilities, senior houses, and medical offices, with 97% of its portfolio based on private-pay sources.
Healthpeak Properties benefits from favorable secular trends. As the baby boomer generation ages and the average life expectancy is on the rise, the senior population of the U.S. is expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years.
In late April, Healthpeak Properties reported (4/24/25) results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Same-property net operating income grew 7% over the prior year’s quarter thanks to strong growth in the segment of continuing care retirement community and FFO per share rose 2%, from $0.45 to $0.46.
Management has provided lackluster guidance for 2025, mostly due to high interest expense. Management expects annual FFO per share of $1.81-$1.87.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on DOC (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #8: Elevance Health (ELV)
- Expected Total Return: 17.6%
Elevance Health Inc., formerly known as Anthem, Inc., is a healthcare benefits company has more than 47 million members through its plans.
The company provides managed plans to a wide variety of markets, including individual, commercial, Medicare and Medicaid. Its two largest customer groups are government (~60% of annual sales) and commercial business (~30% of sales). Elevance has annual sales of $175 billion.
On January 22nd, 2025, Elevance raised its quarterly dividend 4.9% to $1.71, extending the company’s dividend growth streak to 15 consecutive years.
On April 22nd, 2025, Elevance reported first quarter results for the period ending March 31st, 2025. For the quarter, revenue grew 14.6% to $48.8 billion, which topped estimates by $2.55 billion.
Adjusted earnings-per-share of $11.97 compared very favorably to adjusted earnings-per-share of $10.64 in the prior year and was $0.49 more than expected.
Revenue growth was primarily a result of higher premium yields in the Health Benefits, growth in Medicare Advantage and Individual ACA memberships, and increases in product revenue for CarelonRx.
These gains were once again offset by a reduction in Medicaid membership.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on ELV (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #7: John B. Sanfilippo & Son (JBSS)
- Expected Total Return: 17.8%
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) was incorporated in 1922 and is one of the major processors, distributors, and marketers of processed nut and dried fruit products. Customs include retailers, wholesalers, and commercial ingredient users.
The competitive position enables certain value-added services and well-recognized brands, including Fisher, Orchard Valley Harvest, and Squirrel Brand. On a fundamental level, Sanfilippo has market share in the nut industry, which is underpinned by its wide product base and efficiency in the supply chain.
The following business segments represent the company’s major revenue streams: Consumer, Commercial Ingredients, and Contract Manufacturing. The diversified nature of its products, coupled with established customer relationships, has driven regular revenue increases, and ensured a foothold within the marketplace.
On January 29th, 2025, the company announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. JBSS reported Q2 non-GAAP EPS of $1.16 and revenue of $301.07 million up 3.4% year-over-year. Sales volume increased 7.1% to 96.3 million pounds, driven by continued momentum across all three distribution channels.
Bars sales surged 28%, while Fisher recipe nuts and Southern Style Nuts saw strong demand, benefiting from improved merchandising and inventory normalization at key retail partners.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on JBSS (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #6: Western Union (WU)
- Expected Total Return: 18.1%
The Western Union Company is the world leader in the business of domestic and international money transfers. The company has a network of approximately 550,000 agents globally and operates in more than 200 countries.
About 90% of agents are outside of the US. Western Union operates two business segments, Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) and Other (bill payments in the US and Argentina).
Western Union reported mixed Q1 2025 results on April 23rd, 2025. Company-wide revenue decreased 6% to $983.6M from $1,049.7M and diluted GAAP earnings per share decreased to $0.37 in the quarter compared to $0.41 in the prior year on lower revenue, operating expenses, and tax rate.
Revenue declined because of challenges in Iraq offset by higher Banded Digital transactions and strength in Consumer Services.
CMT revenue fell 9% to $872.9M from $962.0M on a year-over-year basis even with 2% higher transaction volumes. Branded Digital Money Transfer CMT revenues increased 7% as transactions rose 14%. Digital revenue is now 28% of total CMT revenue and 35% of transactions.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on WU (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #5: PepsiCo Inc. (PEP)
- Expected Total Return: 18.2%
PepsiCo is a global food and beverage company. Its products include Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Frito-Lay chips, Gatorade, Tropicana orange juice and Quaker foods.
Its business is split roughly 60-40 in terms of food and beverage revenue. It is also balanced geographically between the U.S. and the rest of the world.
Source: Investor Presentation
On April 24th, 2025, PepsiCo reported first quarter earnings results for the period ending March 31st, 2025. For the quarter, revenue fell 1.8% to $17.9 billion, but this beat expectations by $190 million.
Adjusted earnings-per-share of $1.48 compared unfavorably to $1.61 the prior year and was $0.01 below estimates. Currency exchange reduced revenue by 3% and earnings-per-share by 4%.
Organic sales grew 1% for the first quarter. For the period, volume for beverages was flat while food decreased 3%. PepsiCo Beverages North America’s revenue grew 1% for the period even as volume was down 3%.
Revenue for Frito Lay North America declined 2% and volume declined 1%.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on PEP (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #4: Insperity Inc. (NSP)
- Expected Total Return: 18.4%
Insperity is a leading provider of human resources and business performance solutions. The corporation was founded in 1986, and its mission is to help businesses succeed. The company’s primary target customers are small and midsize businesses.
Various human resources functions are offered through Insperity’s products, such as payroll and employment administration, employee benefits and compensation, government compliance, performance management, training and development services, and human capital management.
Insperity has over 100 offices across the U.S. and generated $6.6 billion revenue in 2024.
Insperity reported first quarter 2025 results on April 29th, 2025. The company reported revenue increased 3% to $1.9 billion in the first quarter due to a 3% increase in revenue per worksite employee (WSEE), and a 1% increase of paid WSEEs. Adjusted EPS dove 31% to $1.57 for the first quarter from $2.27 a year ago.
The corporation repurchased 224k shares for $19 million in Q1. Leadership updated its 2025 guidance, now expecting a 0.5% to 3.0% increase in average WSEEs paid, and a 38% decrease to 8% decrease in adjusted EPS to $2.23 to $3.28, for a midpoint of $2.76.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on NSP (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #3: Cabot Corporation (CBT)
- Expected Total Return: 18.4%
Cabot Corp (CBT) manufactures and sells a variety of chemicals, materials, and chemical-based products. The company organizes itself into two segments based on the product type.
The reinforcement materials segment, which generates more revenue than any other segment, sells rubber-grade carbon black products used in hoses and belts in automobiles. The performance chemicals segment sells ink-jet colorants and metal oxides used in the automotive and construction industries.
On February 3rd, 2025, the company announced results for the first quarter of 2025. Cabot reported Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $1.76 missing estimates by $0.01. The company’s total revenue remained steady at $955 million, reflecting continued resilience despite market challenges.
Reinforcement Materials segment EBIT grew 1% to $130 million, supported by volume growth in Asia Pacific and EMEA, while Performance Chemicals EBIT surged 32% to $45 million, benefiting from higher volumes across key end markets.
Improved pricing and product mix contributed to earnings growth. Operating cash flow totaled $124 million, enabling $66 million in shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on CBT (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #2: Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX)
- Expected Total Return: 19.9%
Becton, Dickinson & Co., or BD, is a global leader in the medical supply industry. The company generates almost $22 billion in annual revenue, with approximately 43% of revenues coming from outside of the U.S.
BD is composed of three segments. Products sold by the Medical Division include needles for drug delivery systems, and surgical blades. The Life Sciences division provides products for the collection and transportation of diagnostic specimens. The Intervention segment includes several of the products produced by what used to be Bard.
On May 1st, 2025, BD reported results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, which ended March 31st, 2025. For the quarter, revenue grew 4.5% to $5.3 billion, which was $50 million less than expected.
On a currency neutral basis, revenue increased 6%. Adjusted earnings-per-share of $3.36 compared favorably to $3.17 in the prior year and was $0.07 above estimates.
For the quarter, U.S. grew 7% while international was up 1.2% on a reported basis. Excluding currency exchange, international was higher by 4.8%. Organic growth was up 0.7% for the period.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on BDX (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Beaten Down Dividend Stock #1: Constellation Brands (STZ)
- Expected Total Return: 20.9%
Constellation Brands was founded in 1945. The $33 billion market cap company produces and distributes alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and spirits. It is the third largest beer company in the U.S., and imports and sells beer brands such as Corona, Modelo Especial (the #1 Beer in U.S.), Modelo Negra, and Pacifico.
In addition, Constellation has many wine brands including Robert Mondavi and Kim Crawford, as well as spirits brands including Casa Noble Tequila, and High West Whiskey. The company also has a stake in cannabis company Canopy Growth.
On April 9th, 2025, Constellation Brands reported fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results for the period ending February 28th, 2025. For the quarter, the company recorded $2.16 billion in net sales, up by 1% compared to the same prior year period. Beer sales were flat year-over-year, while wine and spirits sales rose by 5%.
Comparable earnings-per-share equaled $2.63 for the quarter, which was 14% higher compared to Q4 2024, and $0.36 ahead of analyst estimates.
Constellation Brands provided its fiscal 2026 outlook. The company expects adjusted earnings-per-share of $12.60 to $12.90 for the full fiscal year.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on STZ (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Other Blue Chip Stock Resources
The resources below will give you a better understanding of dividend growth investing:
- Dividend Aristocrats: 25+ years of rising dividends and in the S&P 500
- Dividend Kings: 50+ Consecutive years of dividend increases
- Dividend Champions: 25+ Consecutive years of dividend increases
- The Best DRIP Stocks: The top 15 Dividend Champions with no-fee dividend reinvestment plans