Core Viewpoint - Automatic Data Processing (ADP) has raised its quarterly dividend by 10% to $1.70 per share, marking the company's 50th consecutive year of dividend increases, placing it among an elite group of companies known as Dividend Kings [1]. Dividend Growth - The new quarterly dividend of $1.70 per share translates to an annual run rate of $6.80, yielding approximately 3.0%. This represents a 2,128% increase from the annual dividend of $0.305 in 1999, with a compound annual growth rate of about 12.5% over 27 years [1]. - Over the past five years, ADP's dividend has grown at an annual rate of 12% [1]. Business Model Stability - ADP's business model is characterized as recession-resistant, processing payroll for over 1.1 million clients across more than 140 countries, ensuring a stable revenue base [1]. - The company has maintained dividend growth through various economic downturns, including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic [1]. Dividend Safety - In fiscal 2025, ADP generated $4.8 billion in free cash flow against $2.4 billion in dividend payments, resulting in a free cash flow payout ratio of 50.3%, which is below the 70% threshold considered elevated [1]. - The dividend was covered 1.99 times by free cash flow, and the earnings-based payout ratio is approximately 61% based on trailing twelve-month EPS of $10.41 and an annual dividend of $6.32 [1]. - Recent quarters have shown adjusted EBIT margins expanding to 26.0%, up 80 basis points year over year [1]. Conclusion for Income Investors - ADP's combination of a 50-year dividend growth streak, a sustainable payout ratio, and a recession-resistant business model positions it as a reliable dividend payer in the market, appealing to income-focused investors and retirees [1].