The recent financial meltdown was replete with lessons for all types of investors. For dividend investors, though, one of the key lessons may have been the importance of diversification.
Historically, the banking industry was a prime fishing hole for dividend lovers. But hefty losses during the panic led to dividend-slashing all over the industry. Income-oriented investors that overexposed themselves to banks may have suddenly found their portfolios' yields badly battered.
Creating a truly diversified dividend portfolio can present some challenges, though, since not all industries are particularly dividend-friendly.
Tech and dividends, like peanut butter and guacamole
Just like the foods named above, I'm a fan of both the technology industry and dividends. Unfortunately -- in the case of the stocks at least -- the two aren't found together nearly as often as I'd like.
And it's not like tech companies can't support dividend payouts. Apple
Fortunately, not all tech CEOs are as stingy as the folks at Apple and Google. Below are three tech stocks that I think would make excellent additions to any dividend lover's portfolio.
IBM
Big Blue might get cockeyed looks from true dividend diehards thanks to its less-than-inspiring payout performance in the early and mid-90s. Specifically, the company was in the middle of a nosedive during that period and its dividend stagnated before being cut from $1.21 per share down to $0.25.
Since 1995, though, it's been a new ballgame for IBM and its investors in many ways. On the business side, the company has made the transition from being heavily exposed to low-margin, rapidly commoditizing business lines to being focused on high-margin areas such as technology consulting and software. Over that same time frame, IBM has grown its dividend every year, which has led to an annualized dividend growth rate of nearly 17%.
IBM hasn't been shy about using debt, but the company has its interest payments very well covered and has nearly $14 billion in cash on its books -- just in case.
The stock's current 2% payout may not draw yield chasers, but between the current payout, the track record of dividend growth, and the strength of the business, I don't think IBM will leave dividend investors feeling blue.
Automatic Data Processing
Earlier this year, my fellow Fool Jordan DiPietro singled out ADP as "the best dividend stock, period." Though ADP might not be quite as high up on my list of dividend payers, I fully agree with Jordan that there is plenty to love about ADP.
As Jordan pointed out, one of the best aspects of ADP -- particularly for a company in the tech sector -- is that its business is so easy to understand. ADP provides outsourced services for crucial HR functions such as payroll processing. In exchange for its services, the company charges recurring fees, and, in the case of payroll processing, gets to collect interest on the funds that it holds.
And as great as the business is, the numbers may be even better. The stock currently yields 3.3% and the company has been paying, and growing, its dividend for a very, very long time. For the decade ending last June, ADP grew its dividend at an average annual rate of nearly 16%. And with total debt of $44 million against $2 billion in cash, investors face exceedingly little balance sheet risk.
Investors looking for a juicier yield may prefer ADP competitor -- and fellow Motley Fool Income Investor recommendation -- Paychex
Intel
I may have a better chance of hitting a home run off of Steven Strasburg than I have of fully understanding what makes an Intel chip so great. What I do know for sure, though, is that Intel is the leader in its industry, and continues to beat down perennial underdog AMD
For Intel, this dominance has meant healthy profits, impressive cash flow, a bulletproof balance sheet, and, of course, a very tasty dividend.
Intel's stock currently yields 3.1% and it has been putting cash in its investors' pockets for nearly two decades. For the decade ending in 2009, dividend growth was particularly impressive, clocking in at an average annual rate of 25%.
In an industry where dividends all too often seem like an afterthought, Intel makes the combination of peanut butter and guacamole sound positively gourmet.
Your turn
If you're looking to diversify your dividend portfolio into tech, I think IBM, ADP, and Intel are great places to start. But I want to know where else you're looking for tech dividends. Scroll down to the comments section below and share your favorite dividend-paying tech stock.
Before you invest in any dividend-paying stock, you should definitely check out the five keys to successful dividend investing.
