3 Dividend Stocks to Buy as Market Uncertainty Persists

These stable, dividend-paying companies could be smart investments during volatile times.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:35pm

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An extreme close-up of gears, levers, and other industrial machinery, conveying the heavy, physical nature of financial institutions and the security they represent.As economic conditions remain uncertain, these dividend-paying stocks could provide stability and consistent returns for investors.Asheville Today

When markets get shaky, the stocks you can trust most tend to be the ones built to last. This article highlights three dividend-paying companies - Weis Markets, Ingles Markets, and Prestige Consumer Healthcare - that could be solid investments for investors looking for stability and income in an uncertain market.

Why it matters

Uncertain markets force investors to rethink their strategies and focus on companies that can provide consistent returns through dividends and steady operations. The three stocks featured in this article represent different industries but share common traits like simplicity, consistency, and the ability to return cash to shareholders.

The details

Weis Markets operates around 200 grocery stores mostly in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. It offers a consistent 2% dividend yield and trades at a lower valuation than the broader consumer retail industry. Ingles Markets is a Southeast-focused supermarket chain that also owns its own milk and ice cream processing facility, providing vertical integration. An activist investor has also taken an interest in the company, potentially unlocking value. Prestige Consumer Healthcare owns a portfolio of well-known over-the-counter health and personal care brands that tend to see consistent demand, even in economic downturns. The company recently made a major acquisition to expand its 'better breathing' product line.

  • In February 2026, Weis Markets declared a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share.
  • In March 2026, Ingles Markets declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.165 per share on its Class A shares.
  • In March 2026, Prestige Consumer Healthcare signed an agreement to acquire the Breathe Right brand and associated assets for $1.045 billion.

The players

Weis Markets

A regional grocery store chain operating about 200 stores, mostly in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

Ingles Markets

A Southeast-focused supermarket chain headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, operating hundreds of stores across the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama.

Prestige Consumer Healthcare

A company that owns a portfolio of well-known over-the-counter health and personal care brands, including Clear Eyes, Summer's Eve, Chloraseptic, and Dramamine.

Summer Road LLC

An investment firm that has taken an activist position in Ingles Markets and is challenging the company's board ahead of the April 30 shareholder meeting.

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What they’re saying

“Uncertainty isn't just something you read about in headlines, you feel it when you open your portfolio and hesitate for a second longer than usual.”

— Micah Zimmerman

What’s next

The judge in the Ingles Markets activist case will decide on the outcome of the shareholder meeting on April 30.

The takeaway

In volatile markets, investors should focus on simple, consistent, dividend-paying companies that can provide stability and income. The three stocks featured - Weis Markets, Ingles Markets, and Prestige Consumer Healthcare - offer these qualities and could be attractive options for investors looking to weather the uncertainty.