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Corporate dividend policy in practice: Evidence from an emerging market with a tax-free environment

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  • Chazi, Abdelaziz
  • Boubakri, Narjess
  • Zanella, Fernando

Abstract

Several theories have been proposed to explain why companies pay dividends. However, as of today, the dividend policy remains a puzzle as no convincing explanation has been given as to why firms pay cash dividends to their shareholders. This paper contributes to this debate by examining the dividend policy in an emerging market that has a tax-free environment. Specifically, we follow Brav et al. (2005) and examine this issue using survey and field interviews, in the particular context of the United Arab Emirates. Our results provide support for the proposition that dividend policy is conservative. We also find that dividends in the UAE are considered by managers as a residual cash flow, and are determined after investment decisions are made. When examining the determinants of dividend policy, we find that taxes are not important, that institutional investors are expected to play a role in disciplining managers, and that dividends may play a disciplinary role as well in controlling agency conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Chazi, Abdelaziz & Boubakri, Narjess & Zanella, Fernando, 2011. "Corporate dividend policy in practice: Evidence from an emerging market with a tax-free environment," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 19(2), pages 245-259, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:19:y:2011:i:2:p:245-259
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    2. Hadfi Bilel & Kouki Mondher, 2021. "What Can explain catering of dividend? Environment information and investor sentiment," Journal of Economics and Finance, Springer;Academy of Economics and Finance, vol. 45(3), pages 428-450, July.
    3. Cordelia Omodero, 2022. "The Role Of Corporate Tax, Earnings And Debt In Determining Dividend Policy Of Firms," Business Management, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Svishtov, Bulgaria, issue 3 Year 20, pages 46-69.
    4. Barros, Victor & Verga Matos, Pedro & Miranda Sarmento, Joaquim, 2020. "What firm’s characteristics drive the dividend policy? A mixed-method study on the Euronext stock exchange," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 365-377.
    5. ElBannan, Mona A., 2020. "Does catering behavior persist? Evidence on dividend sentiment in emerging financial markets," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 350-373.

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