Gates Foundation Portfolio Anchored by Microsoft, Railways, and Machinery Dividend Stocks

• Over half of Bill Gates' $42 billion foundation portfolio is invested in 3 dividend stocks Microsoft, Canadian National Railway, and Caterpillar

• Microsoft makes up 34% of the portfolio and has increased its dividend payout by 168% over the last 10 years

• Canadian National Railway accounts for 16% of the portfolio, has raised its dividend for 28 straight years, and currently yields 1.94%

• Caterpillar makes up 5% of the portfolio but Gates hasn't added to the position since 2013, though it has paid a dividend since 1933

• The article argues there are better dividend and value stocks than these 3 picks, but sees long-term growth potential for Microsoft stock