Unveiling the True Potential of AI in Investing
Dennis Moore, Chief Investment StrategistUpdated: May 02, 2024
In the bustling world of tech investments, AI has been a hot topic. But there’s a twist in the narrative that many are missing, and that twist could mean big opportunities for savvy investors like us.
The Common Misconception
While experts are deep-diving into the specifics of AI technologies, they often miss the forest for the trees. Remember the automotive boom in the 1930s? Investors who bet on Henry Ford thrived, while those backing less successful innovators foundered. The lesson? Bigger isn’t always better, and the obvious choice isn’t always the right one.
Today, AI’s transformative impact is often envisioned to be confined within tech companies. However, the reality is much broader. AI’s true value lies in its widespread applicability across various sectors, enhancing efficiency and profitability across the board.
A Practical Example: Danaher Corporation (DHR)
Take Danaher Corporation, a conglomerate whose roots stretch back to the 1960s. While Danaher may not be the first name that comes to mind in AI, its strategic pivot towards healthcare highlights a critical aspect of AI’s value. By focusing on healthcare, where AI tools streamline operations and development processes, Danaher positions itself at the forefront of a sector ripe for innovation and growth.
Why AI Matters Beyond Tech
AI isn’t just about who builds the best AI system or who has the most advanced technology. It’s about how these technologies can be applied to create efficiencies that ripple across the entire economy. Imagine a company that streamlines report production from eight hours to seven, freeing up countless hours for productivity or reducing workforce requirements. That’s where AI steps in—not as a direct product but as a pivotal enhancement to existing processes.
The Investment Angle
If you’re concerned about investing directly in AI tech firms like NVIDIA, fearing the volatility and competition, there’s a smarter way to capitalize on AI’s expansive growth. Consider a diversified investment approach that leverages both direct and indirect AI influences.
A Smart Diversified Investment: Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV)
For those looking to tap into AI’s broad market potential, GDV presents a compelling opportunity. Not only does it offer direct exposure to AI leaders like Microsoft and Alphabet, but it also provides indirect exposure through companies like Honeywell and Eli Lilly, which are integrating AI to boost efficiency and profitability. With a robust 6% dividend and trading at a 17% discount to NAV, GDV offers an economical entry point into a diversified portfolio benefiting from AI’s wide-reaching impact.
Beyond GDV: Seeking Richer Dividends
While GDV’s 6% dividend is appealing, there are even more lucrative opportunities in the CEF space, offering average dividends of 7.8%. These funds not only invest in AI developers but also in a myriad of companies enhancing their operations through AI, aligning perfectly with our dividend-first investment strategy.
Act Now for Maximum Gain
As AI’s efficiencies begin to reflect in corporate earnings more visibly, the window for entering at a bargain is closing. Now is the time to embrace a diversified AI investment strategy that captures the broader economic benefits while securing substantial dividend returns.