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Dividends, Values and Agency Costs in REITs

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  • Wen-Hsiu Chou
  • William Hardin
  • Matthew Hill
  • G. Kelly

Abstract

This study examines the market value of REIT dividends conditional on transparency of operating structure and effectiveness of boards. Results suggest that total, mandatory and discretionary dividends are valued by the market. Consistent with agency cost theory, results provide some evidence that discretionary dividends paid by REITs with greater principal-agent conflicts have greater market value. Specific results suggest an increased value of excess dividends paid by firms with more complex organizational structures (UPREITs) and, to some degree, less independent boards. This evidence implies the equity market recognizes REITs’ substitution of discretionary dividends for stronger governance. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Wen-Hsiu Chou & William Hardin & Matthew Hill & G. Kelly, 2013. "Dividends, Values and Agency Costs in REITs," The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, Springer, vol. 46(1), pages 91-114, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:jrefec:v:46:y:2013:i:1:p:91-114
    DOI: 10.1007/s11146-011-9314-3
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    Cited by:

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    2. Kevin Hon Sheng Yap & Seow Eng Ong & Wee Yong Yeo, 2018. "Demystifying the Management Structure Puzzle: an Empirical Investigation into the Drivers of REIT Internalization," The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, Springer, vol. 57(3), pages 367-399, October.
    3. Bienert, Sven, . "METASTUDIE :NACHHALTIGKEIT CONTRA RENDITE? Die Implikationen nachhaltigen Wirtschaftens für offene Immobilienfonds am Beispiel der Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH und der WestInvest GmbH," Beiträge zur Immobilienwirtschaft, University of Regensburg, Department of Economics, number 14, August.
    4. Benjamin Blau & Jared F. Egginton & Matthew Hill, 2016. "REITs and market friction," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 46(1), pages 1-24, January.
    5. Chinmoy Ghosh & Le Sun, 2014. "Agency Cost, Dividend Policy and Growth: The Special Case of REITs," The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 660-708, May.
    6. Benjamin Blau & Jared Egginton & Matthew Hill, 2016. "REITs and market friction," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 46(1), pages 1-24, January.

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