Dividend stocks often deliver market-beating returns over long periods of time. However, their quarterly distribution isn't the core reason underlying this trend. Rather, the real driver is their core value proposition as cash-flow-positive companies with well-established businesses and entrenched competitive positions. Nonetheless, most Dividend stocks haven't been market-beating vehicles this year due to a host of marketwide structural issues, potentially creating a compelling buying opportunity for contrarian investors. 

Which underperforming dividend stocks might be worth loading up on right now? Telecom stalwart AT (NYSE: T) and medical device giant Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) both offer investors above-average yields, underappreciated economies of scale, and attractive valuations. Here's why it might be high time to buy these two deeply undervalued dividend stocks. 

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Source Fool.com