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Dividends as a signaling device and the disappearing dividend puzzle

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  • Shapiro, Dmitry
  • Zhuang, Anan

Abstract

In this paper we develop a generalization of the Baker and Wurgler (2012) signaling model where investors are loss-averse to dividend cuts. We apply our framework to study how a firm's characteristics and manager's incentives affect payout policy properties. In equilibrium firms with riskier earnings are less likely to pay dividends, however, those that pay, payout more. Similarly, firms whose managers have a higher share of stock options in their compensation package are less likely to pay positive dividends. There is a clientele effect. Investors’ preferences and choices affect the payout policy and two otherwise identical firms can greatly differ in how they pay dividends. Finally, we relate our model's predictions to the disappearing dividend puzzle.

Suggested Citation

  • Shapiro, Dmitry & Zhuang, Anan, 2015. "Dividends as a signaling device and the disappearing dividend puzzle," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 62-81.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jebusi:v:79:y:2015:i:c:p:62-81
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconbus.2014.12.005
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    3. Binghui Wu & Tingting Duan, 2019. "Nonlinear Dynamics Characteristic of Risk Contagion in Financial Market Based on Agent Modeling and Complex Network," Complexity, Hindawi, vol. 2019, pages 1-12, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Dividends; Signaling; Disappearing dividend puzzle; Loss-aversion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G02 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Behavioral Finance: Underlying Principles
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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