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The effects of a comply-or-explain dividend regulation in China

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  • He, Wen
  • Li, Chao Kevin

Abstract

We examine the effects of the world's first comply-or-explain dividend regulation in China's Shanghai Stock Exchange, which requires firms to either pay at least 30% of profits as dividends or explain the use of funds. We find that many firms increased their payout ratio to comply, by increasing dividends or decreasing earnings. Firms with high profitability, state ownership, and fewer agency conflicts were more likely to comply. However, complying firms subsequently issued more debt and had a decline in accounting performance and firm valuation. The evidence suggests that the comply-or-explain regulation increased firms' dividends at substantial costs.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Wen & Li, Chao Kevin, 2018. "The effects of a comply-or-explain dividend regulation in China," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 53-72.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:52:y:2018:i:c:p:53-72
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2018.07.002
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    Cited by:

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    2. Chao Kevin Li, 2021. "Wealth effects of dividend regulation: Evidence from China," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 46(2), pages 197-223, May.
    3. Masanori Orihara, 2023. "COVID-19: Firm Value and Pre-Existing Corporate Governance Regulations," Working Papers 2218, Waseda University, Faculty of Political Science and Economics.
    4. Liu, Simeng & Wang, Kun Tracy & Walpola, Sonali, 2023. "Female board representation and the adoption of corporate social responsibility criteria in executive compensation contracts: International evidence," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    5. Le Lin & Ke Liao & Deren Xie, 2023. "When Investors Speak, Do Firms Listen? The Role of Investors' Dividend‐related Complaints from Online Earnings Communication Conferences," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 59(1), pages 32-75, March.
    6. Lin, Jing & Li, Fang & Zheng, Steven Xiaofan & Zhou, Mingshan, 2023. "Minority shareholder voting and dividend policy," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    7. Yang, Bao & Chou, Hsin-I. & Zhao, Jing, 2020. "Innovation or dividend payout: Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 180-203.
    8. Nie, Jing & Yin, Libo, 2022. "Do dividends signal safety? Evidence from China," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    9. Hou, Chenxue & Wang, Qijian, 2023. "CSRC oral communication and corporate disclosure," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    10. Atif Ellahie & Zachary Kaplan, 2021. "Show Me the Money! Dividend Policy in Countries with Weak Institutions," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(2), pages 613-655, May.
    11. Fonseka, Mohan & Richardson, Grant, 2023. "The effect of mandatory corporate social responsibility disclosure and performance on firms’ dividend decisions: Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    12. Liang, Shangkun & Niu, Yuhao & Yang, Dan & Liu, Xuejuan, 2023. "Dividend payouts under a societal crisis: Financial constraints or signaling?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    13. He, Wen & Zhang, Feida, 2022. "Languages and dividends," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(6).
    14. Tao, Qizhi & Wei, K.C. John & Xiang, Xueman & Yi, Biao, 2022. "Board directors' foreign experience and firm dividend payouts," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Dividends; Dividend regulations; Corporate finance; China; Emerging markets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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