1 Stock That Benefits No Matter Which Way the Economy Goes

By Neil Patel – Mar 29, 2026 at 1:47PM ESTKey PointsThis industry-leading business sells essential household goods, which drove positive sales growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. A fantastic net profit margin of 19% supports this company’s incredible 69-year streak of increasing dividends. There is a heightened level of economic uncertainty these days. It can stem from geopolitical conflict, inflationary concerns, and fears about artificial intelligence disruption. For investors, the goal is to find companies that can weather any storms that might be brewing. Here's one consumer staples stock that benefits no matter which way the economy goes in 2026 and beyond. Image source: Getty Images. Procter & Gamble (PG +0.20%) sells household essentials, from Tide laundry detergent and Head & Shoulders shampoo to Luvs diapers and Vicks medicine. It's uniquely positioned since it doesn't face demand that fluctuates as much as other economically sensitive businesses. During the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Procter & Gamble posted revenue growth in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021. ExpandNYSE: PGProcter & GambleToday's Change(0.20%) $0.29Current Price$142.71Key Data PointsMarket Cap$332BDay's Range$142.01 - $144.0852wk Range$137.62 - $174.80Volume12MAvg Vol12MGross Margin51.11%Dividend Yield2.96% Investors that decide to buy this stock can immediately gain a nice foundational holding for their portfolios. This doesn't mean you'll get market-beating performance, though, as shares have produced a total return of 126% in the past decade (as of March 26), which trails the S&P 500 index (277%). But this is an extremely profitable business, with a fiscal 2025 net profit margin of 19%. And it has a stellar 69-year streak of raising the dividend payout. The current dividend yield of nearly 3% provides a valuable income stream regardless of the direction the economy takes. Read NextMar 26, 2026 •By Parkev Tatevosian, CFA1 Relatively Safe Dividend Stock Investors Can Buy NowMar 25, 2026 •By Keith NoonanHow to Invest in Dividend Stocks: A Guide to Dividend InvestingMar 23, 2026 •By Anders BylundWho Owns OpenAI? Details of the Top Shareholders & Board of DirectiorsMar 18, 2026 •By Matt DiLalloRecession-Proof Stocks: Industries That Thrive During RecessionsMar 17, 2026 •By Jason HallDividend Kings of 2026Mar 17, 2026 •By Neil PatelThe Best Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold ForeverAbout the AuthorNeil Patel is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering consumer staples, consumer discretionary, financials, information technology, and communication services. Prior to The Motley Fool, Neil worked in corporate finance roles at JPMorgan Chase and Capital One. He also has experience working on a start-up in the cryptocurrency space. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in finance from Ohio State University.TMFNeilPatelStocks MentionedProcter & GambleNYSE: PG$142.75(+0.23%)+$0.33*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.