In the latest episode of Ticker Take on YouTube, we spoke with Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CEO of Gilman Hill Asset Management and author of the book Dividend Investing, about how she is evaluating dividend stocks in the AI era.
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries across the global economy. While much of the investor focus has been on the companies building AI technology, the ripple effects could also reshape businesses long viewed as reliable dividend payers.
That raises an important question for income investors. Are the companies generating those steady payouts at risk of disruption?
In the latest episode of Ticker Take on YouTube, I spoke with Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CEO of Gilman Hill Asset Management and author of the book Dividend Investing, about how she is evaluating dividend stocks in the AI era.
Harrington says the first step is stress testing whether artificial intelligence could fundamentally disrupt the underlying business.
Her approach starts with a simple question.
Could AI replace this company’s role in the economy?
If the answer is yes, the dividend may not be as safe as it appears. But if AI instead improves operations, supply chains, or efficiency, the technology could strengthen the long-term outlook for the business.
That process has led Harrington to review her dividend-focused portfolio company by company, assessing how artificial intelligence might help or hurt each business model.
The goal is straightforward. Identify companies capable of sustaining meaningful income for investors over time.
For Harrington, that typically means portfolios built around several dozen companies with strong free cash flow and durable business models. She also looks for dividend yields that can approach five per cent while remaining sustainable through changing economic cycles.
But yield alone is not enough.
Harrington says investors should focus on companies with reliable cash generation, manageable debt levels, and businesses that remain essential even as technology reshapes industries.
With that framework in mind, here are ten dividend stocks she highlighted. As always, this is not financial advice.
Kimberly-Clark produces everyday consumer staples such as tissues, paper towels, and personal care products. Dividend investors often point to the company’s stable demand, global brand portfolio, and long track record of returning capital to shareholders.
Millrose Properties is a real estate company focused on income-generating properties. Supporters highlight the stability of rental income and the potential for consistent dividend payments tied to long-term property holdings.
Amcor is a global packaging company supplying products used across food, beverage, healthcare, and consumer goods. Its business is viewed as relatively resilient because packaging demand tends to remain steady across economic cycles.
Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)
Enterprise Products Partners operates one of the largest energy infrastructure networks in North America, including pipelines, storage, and processing facilities. Income investors tend to be attracted to its substantial cash flow and long history of paying distributions.
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a major pharmaceutical company with established treatments and an active drug development pipeline. Dividend fans frequently focus on the company’s strong cash generation from existing therapies and its relatively high yield.
VICI Properties (VICI)
VICI Properties is a real estate investment trust that owns casino and entertainment properties across the United States. Long-term leases with major operators provide predictable rental income, which supporters say helps underpin its dividend.
Honda Motor Co. is one of the world’s largest automakers, with major businesses in automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. That means global scale, diversified operations, and history of returning capital to shareholders.
TotalEnergies (TTE)
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company with operations spanning oil, natural gas, and renewable power. Investors typically point to its strong cash flow from energy production alongside expanding investments in lower-carbon energy.
Michelin (MGDDY)
Michelin is a leading global tire manufacturer serving consumer, commercial, and industrial markets. Supporters often cite its premium brand, pricing power, and diversified exposure across transportation sectors.
Unilever (UL)
Unilever owns a wide portfolio of consumer brands across food, home care, and personal care categories. Dividend investors often appreciate the company’s global scale and steady demand for everyday products.
The Ticker Take
Dividend investors often focus on stability and income, but even traditionally defensive sectors are not immune to technological disruption.
Harrington’s approach is to stress test each business model against the rise of artificial intelligence. If AI threatens the core economics of a company, the dividend could eventually come under pressure. But if the technology helps improve efficiency and strengthen competitive advantages, it could support long-term cash flow and shareholder returns.
For investors looking for income in an era of rapid technological change, understanding how AI may reshape even the most established businesses could become an increasingly important part of the dividend investing playbook.
Jon Erlichman is a BNN Bloomberg contributor and the host of Ticker Take on YouTube.