The Magnificent 7 Are So Yesterday. These Are AI's Next Big Winners

Core Insights - The article discusses two dividend stocks poised for growth, one with a 2.8% yield linked to AI advancements and another offering a 7.8% monthly payout [2][19] - The pharmaceutical sector, often viewed as "dead money," is now experiencing renewed interest due to AI's potential to revolutionize drug development [5][9] Group 1: Pharmaceutical Sector Dynamics - The pharmaceutical industry has lagged for years, with few breakthroughs, but companies like Eli Lilly have shown success with new drugs [5] - Political actions, such as price caps and the Inflation Reduction Act, have impacted profitability, with a potential $160 billion profit hit looming [6] - Lobbying efforts by pharmaceutical companies have mitigated some political pressures, leading to favorable agreements with the government [7] Group 2: AI's Impact on Drug Development - AI is expected to significantly reduce the drug development timeline from 10-15 years to just six years, which is crucial for maximizing patent profitability [11] - The cost of drug development is around $2.5 billion, and AI can reduce both risk and expenses associated with traditional methods [10] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Becton, Dickinson & Co. (BDX) is highlighted as a key player in the medical equipment sector, benefiting from an aging population and growth in its Life Sciences division [12] - BDX's merger with Waters Corp. is projected to double the market size to $40 billion, with expected annual growth of 5% to 7% [15] - The merger will provide BDX with $4 billion in cash, half of which will be used for share buybacks, enhancing shareholder value [16] Group 4: Alternative Investment Options - The BlackRock Health Sciences Fund (BME) offers a diversified investment in medical-device makers with a 7.8% dividend, trading at an 8% discount to NAV [19][21] - BME's portfolio includes major companies like Abbott Laboratories and Thermo-Fisher Scientific, providing exposure to both medical devices and pharmaceuticals [20]