5 Dividend Stocks Beating Tech in 2026

Core Viewpoint - The investment strategy focuses on dividend growth rather than the popular "MAG 7" tech stocks, which are not seen as suitable for dividend growth investing [2][3]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company emphasizes dividend growth investing, stating that there are no suitable dividend growth names within the MAG 7 [2]. - The MAG 7 is viewed as a collection of individual stocks rather than a cohesive group, with varying performance among them [3]. - The investment philosophy does not align with stocks that trade based on popularity rather than fundamentals [3]. Group 2: Top Stock Picks - Blackstone: The company is bullish on Blackstone, which is down over 20% year-to-date, citing its strong asset management capabilities and a trillion dollars in assets under management [3][5]. The negative sentiment in the alternative asset management space is seen as an opportunity to accumulate shares [8]. - United Healthcare: The stock is down 40% over the past year, but the company believes the bad news is already priced in, making it an attractive buy for dividend growth investors [9][10]. The consistent dividend growth over 25 years demonstrates the company's resilience [11]. - Vici Properties: This real estate investment trust (REIT) is viewed positively due to its strong balance sheet and ability to collect rent from casino operators, offering a dividend yield of over 6% [12][14]. - Pepsi: The company has a strong brand portfolio and has consistently grown dividends for 50 years, making it a staple investment despite economic fluctuations [15][16]. The recent price cuts are offset by volume growth, showcasing effective brand management [17]. - Vail Resorts: The company has redefined its business model with the Epic Pass, allowing for predictable cash flows regardless of weather conditions, which supports its dividend growth strategy [20][21]. Group 3: Market Sentiment and Tech Stocks - The overall sentiment in the tech sector, particularly for stocks like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, is viewed as negative, with concerns about their low dividend yields and high capital expenditures [24][26]. - The company believes that the current market dynamics present vulnerabilities, particularly regarding AI assumptions and funding models [28].