In this article, we will take a look at some of the best low priced stocks that pay dividends.
Concerns over an escalating trade war and rising geopolitical tensions have triggered waves of selling in stock markets over the past week. The United States has been at the center of these developments, as President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric on trade tariffs, which are expected to raise costs for both consumers and businesses domestically and abroad.
Since reaching a peak in mid-February, the broader market—an index tracking America’s largest companies—has declined by 7.3% as of March 17 and is down 3% for 2025. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq, which focuses on technology stocks, has fallen 7.2% this year. As a result, the US market has now dropped below its levels prior to the so-called “Trump bump” in November, when Trump’s election victory initially drove markets higher.
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The year 2025 has been marked by significant events, ranging from corporate earnings and guidance updates to concerns surrounding DeepSeek and the fluctuating stance on tariffs by President Donald Trump. These developments have contributed to heightened market volatility, creating uncertainty for investors. A report by Morningstar suggested that investors should prioritize fundamental analysis, adopt a long-term perspective, and remain mindful of valuations. In line with this approach, the firm’s analysts continue to assess the long-term fundamentals shaping sector outlooks and evaluate the key assumptions driving valuation models. Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the potential implementation of tariffs, adjustments to projections and valuations will be made once there is greater clarity on the extent of the tariffs and their expected duration.
Dividend stocks have gained popularity during market downturns, as they offer shareholders a steady source of income. Following a period where growth stocks dominated, interest in dividend investing has been on the rise. According to a report by Franklin Templeton, US-listed dividend-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw a significant increase in investor interest, with average monthly net inflows reaching nearly $3.3 billion in the six months leading up to January 31, 2025. This marks a sharp contrast to the $107 million recorded during the same period the previous year.
Amid an uncertain global economic environment, investors are gravitating toward more stable assets to create balanced portfolios. Dividend stocks, particularly those backed by strong fundamentals, are known for generating consistent and predictable cash flows. Since these cash flows play a crucial role in equity valuation models, determining the intrinsic or fair value of dividend-paying stocks is generally more straightforward than valuing growth stocks.
The Dividend Aristocrat Index, which tracks the performance of companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, has surged by over 3% in 2025, so far, compared with a nearly 3% decline of the broader market, as of the close of March 17.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best low priced stocks that pay dividends.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Our Methodology
For this list, we screened for dividend stocks with forward P/E ratios of less than 21 and share prices below $50, as of March 17. From the group, we picked 15 companies for their robust financial health, consistent dividend track records, and stable balance sheets, making them attractive options for income-focused investors. The stocks are ranked according to their share prices, as of the close of March 17.
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15. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)
Share Price as of the Close of March 17: $49
Forward P/E Ratio as of March 17: 4.20
General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is a Michigan-based multinational automotive company that sells trucks, cars, and auto parts, and offers software-based services and subscriptions. Analysts maintain a positive outlook on the company, as the automaker reported a gain in equity income for the fourth quarter in China, excluding restructuring costs. This marks a significant achievement in an intensely competitive market, where a fierce price war and the rapid expansion of domestic brands have put pressure on international automakers.
A key factor driving interest in General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is its substantial share buyback program, which returns value to investors while the stock continues to trade at a low price-to-earnings ratio. Notably, this new repurchase authorization was announced despite the prospect of looming tariffs, signaling the company’s confidence in its ability to navigate potential challenges—a reassuring sign for some investors.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) reported revenue of $47.7 billion, reflecting an 11% increase compared to the previous year. However, net income dropped by over $5 billion, primarily due to one-time charges. These included $4 billion in non-cash restructuring costs and write-downs related to specific joint ventures in China. The company also recorded $0.5 billion in expenses after deciding to halt funding for its Cruise robotaxi business.
On February 26, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend, bringing it to $0.15 per share. The company has maintained regular dividend payments since 2014, backed by its solid cash flow. In fiscal year 2024, GM reported $24 billion in both operating cash flow and free cash flow. The stock has a dividend yield of 0.98%, as of March 17.
14. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM)
Share Price as of the Close of March 17: $48.05
Forward P/E Ratio as of March 17: 9.56
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is an American food processing and commodities trading company. The company is implementing a strategic plan to boost profitability, aiming to achieve $200–$300 million in cost savings over the next few years through improved operational efficiencies and workforce reductions. These measures are designed to enhance margins and strengthen the company’s financial stability amid economic uncertainties. In addition, ADM is integrating AI, data analytics, and SAP S/4HANA to optimize its supply chain, refine demand forecasting, and improve pricing strategies, helping it maintain a competitive advantage.
A key growth driver for ADM is its expansion into plant-based and nutritional products within the Nutrition segment, a high-margin business that reduces reliance on the volatile commodity market. This strategic transition positions the company for sustained long-term growth while ensuring steady cash flow generation.
However, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) fell short of investor expectations in the fourth quarter of 2024. As a commodity-driven business, its performance remains highly dependent on market prices, leading to fluctuations beyond its control. Given the industry’s nature, the company operates with narrow gross margins, which contributed to a 22% decline in gross profit to $1.36 billion. Its gross margin also fell from 7.6% to 6.3%. Despite these challenges, revenue reached $21.5 billion, marking a 6.4% increase from the same period the previous year. GAAP earnings per share stood at $1.17, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company’s (NYSE:ADM) cash position offered some reassurance to investors. By the end of 2024, the company held $611 million in cash and cash equivalents. Over the year, it generated $2.8 billion in operating cash flow, with operating cash flow before working capital adjustments totaling $3.3 billion. On February 4, ADM announced a 2% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.51 per share, marking its 52nd consecutive year of dividend growth. With an uninterrupted dividend history spanning 93 years, ADM is one of the best low-priced stocks that pay dividends. As of March 17, the stock has a dividend yield of 4.25%.
13. California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT)
Share Price as of the Close of March 17: $47.27
Forward P/E Ratio as of March 17: 19.58
California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) is an American public utility company that offers drinking water and wastewater services. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company posted revenue of over $222 million, which showed a 4% growth from the same period last year. Higher rates contributed an additional $24.2 million in revenue. A significant development during the period was the filing of the 2024 California General Rate Case (GRC), which outlines investments aimed at ensuring a safe and sustainable water supply for customers.
Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 reached $189.9 million, reflecting a $10.6 million increase from $179.3 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Water production costs rose by $3.4 million to $73.7 million, primarily driven by higher wholesale rates and increased consumption.
California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) is a solid dividend payer with a strong cash position. On January 29, the company declared a 7.1% hike to its quarterly dividend at $0.30 per share. This marked the company’s 58th consecutive year of dividend growth. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.53%, as of March 17.