A J-Shaped Cross-Sectional Relation Between Dividends and Firm Value

This study identifies a J-shaped relation between dividends and firm value. On average, top-dividend-payers are valued higher than all other firms, while non-dividend-payers are valued higher than low-dividend-payers. This J-shaped relation is highly stable over time as it is observed in nearly every year over the period 1962–2010, and it remains significant after controlling for firm characteristics such as profitability, growth and firm size. We also find similar J-shaped relations in stock markets outside the U.S. Our evidence suggests that dividend theories, such as the dividend catering, free-cash-flow and dividend clientele hypotheses, are inadequate to explain the J-shaped relation. It does not appear that the J-shaped pattern reflects mispricing. There is mixed evidence as to whether the J-shaped relation is driven by dividends or unobservable firm characteristics.