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A macro-analysis of financial decisions: An examination of special dividend announcements

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  • Beladi, Hamid
  • Chao, Chi Chur
  • Hu, May

Abstract

This paper investigates macro-level explanations for why firms pay special dividends. We find both the business cycle and market condition affect the propensity and abnormal returns of special dividends. Firms are more likely to announce special dividends in market or economic downturns than upturns. They tend to use additional cash for business growth in expansions and distribute it to reduce agency costs in contractions. The signaling effect of special dividends is stronger and companies with these announcements are better performers in recessions than in expansions. This research sheds light on and enhances the understanding of why firms disburse extra cash dividends at the aggregate level.

Suggested Citation

  • Beladi, Hamid & Chao, Chi Chur & Hu, May, 2016. "A macro-analysis of financial decisions: An examination of special dividend announcements," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 162-181.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:48:y:2016:i:c:p:162-181
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2016.09.015
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    3. Dasilas, Apostolos & Grose, Chris, 2019. "Valuation effects of tax-free versus taxed cash distributions," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 307-321.
    4. Beladi, Hamid & Deng, Jie & Hu, May, 2021. "Cash flow uncertainty, financial constraints and R&D investment," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    5. Hu, May & Tuilautala, Mataiasi & Kang, Yuni, 2019. "Bandwagon effect: Special dividend payments," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 339-363.
    6. Beladi, Hamid & Hu, May & Li, Silei & Yang, JingJing, 2022. "Dual-class share structure on the dividend payout policy: Evidence from China Concepts Stocks," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    7. Baker, H. Kent & Kumar, Satish & Goyal, Kirti & Sharma, Anuj, 2021. "International review of financial analysis: A retrospective evaluation between 1992 and 2020," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Special dividends; Market driven; Business cycle;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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