Throughout stock market history, dividend-paying stocks have made a huge difference in investors' returns. Yet while the positive benefits of stocks that pay dividends are well-documented, recent experience paints a much different picture of their performance.

Lately, a rash of companies have had to cut their dividends dramatically. Many, including Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) and Motorola (NYSE:MOT), have done so to preserve and bolster their financial stability. Banks like Citigroup (NYSE:C) and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) have done so to comply with government requirements for receiving bailout money. All in all, 62 of the companies in the S&P 500 index cut their dividends last year.

For these companies, it's tough to argue that dividend cuts are a good thing. With their businesses endangered and cash at a premium, these companies are doing what it takes to survive -- even if it comes at the expense of hurting their shareholders' short-run prospects.

But a much different group of companies are considering smaller payouts for a much better reason -- one that may make you want to think twice about dividend payers in general.

Going on a buying spree
Traditionally, companies that have paid large dividends run mature businesses that produce substantial amounts of cash. Because businesses in mature industries don't necessarily have a lot of growth prospects, there's little reason for companies to hold onto that cash or try to reinvest it into their business operations. So the companies use excess cash to pay their shareholders, gaining a following of loyal dividend-seekers in the bargain.

The falling stock market, however, has brought with it some huge opportunities for opportunistic companies looking for ways to expand their reach. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), for instance, took advantage of a nearly 40% drop in shares of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE) between July and October to make a $68 billion offer for the company. The offer will require Pfizer to take on $22.5 billion in debt and drain its robust cash hoard. To help finance the acquisition, Pfizer cut its dividend in half.

Similarly, Merck's (NYSE:MRK) offer for Schering-Plough also has a substantial cash component. Some have questioned whether Merck will follow suit with a dividend cut to help pay for the buyout.

Of course, people disagree about whether these are smart acquisitions or not. But the question that income investors should ask of these and any stock they own is this: Are these companies making better use of their cash than I would if they paid it out as dividends?

Smarter use of cash?
If you're relying on dividend income, then it doesn't really matter why a stock stops paying a rich dividend -- you won't like it.

But for most investors, dividend stocks serve two purposes. First, they represent stable investments in companies that typically have long histories of profitability and fiscal responsibility. Second, some dividend-paying companies still have growth potential -- growth that could boost payouts in the future.

When companies don't have a better use for their cash, it makes sense to pay it out to investors who can then make their own decisions about where to put the money. However, if companies can make use of their cash in a way that will eventually produce greater shareholder returns than most investors could find on their own, shareholders should happily give up their quarterly payments and cheer them on.

The no-dividend retained-earnings model is one that many companies have used -- including Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway -- to enable them to take advantage of opportunities as they arise without curtailing their ability to get outside financing or access capital markets. Right now, cash-rich companies like Berkshire have commanding leverage in negotiations with struggling businesses seeking liquidity.

To me, the prospect of greater returns down the road makes it worth suffering through the initial negative reaction to a dividend cut. So if you own a stock that cuts its dividend, check and see whether it has good plans for that money. If it does, you might be better off holding on than selling at fire-sale prices.

Read more about dividends and your portfolio: