The article highlights the growing interest in dividend-paying stocks amid market volatility, emphasizing their role in providing steady income and reducing portfolio risk during downturns. During April’s market turbulence, dividend-focused ETFs attracted significant inflows as investors prioritized stability. While broader market optimism faces potential risks from uncertain economic signals, maintaining exposure to dividend stocks is suggested as a strategy to navigate continued volatility. The traditional adage “Sell in May and go away” warns of seasonal market weakness, but exiting positions could result in missing potential rebounds, underscoring the value of retaining such holdings. Seeking Alpha Quant (SA Quant) identifies five stocks rated as ‘Strong Buy’ opportunities, selected based on favorable quantitative factors and dividend grades. These stocks—Philip Morris International (PM), CareTrust REIT (CTRE), Gilead Sciences (GILD), Astec Industries (ASTE), and VICI Properties (VICI)—offer an average forward dividend yield of 3.54%, significantly higher than the S&P 500’s 1.21%. The analysis frames these selections as appealing options for income-focused investors seeking both yield and stability. Steven Cress, Head of Quantitative Strategy at Seeking Alpha and author of the piece, outlines his professional background. With over three decades of experience in quantitative strategies and portfolio management, Cress previously founded Cress Capital Management and CressCap Investment Research, the latter acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018. His current role involves managing the platform’s quant ratings, factor grades, and leading Alpha Picks, a monthly stock recommendation tool designed to remove emotional biases through data-driven analysis. Cress’s expertise underpins the systematic approach used to evaluate stocks and ETFs for investors. Disclosures accompanying the article clarify that the author holds no positions in the mentioned securities and is not compensated for the content. It reiterates standard disclaimers: past performance does not guarantee future results, and no personalized investment advice is provided. Readers are advised to independently assess the suitability of securities or strategies based on their objectives and financial circumstances. The article is framed as a resource for investors navigating market uncertainty, advocating for a disciplined focus on dividend strategies supported by quantitative analysis. Related analyses and trending news links are provided to offer additional context for decision-making.