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Minority shareholder voting and dividend policy

Author

Listed:
  • Lin, Jing
  • Li, Fang
  • Zheng, Steven Xiaofan
  • Zhou, Mingshan

Abstract

We find that minority shareholders’ voting opposition to dividend proposals is associated with significantly higher cash dividend payout in the following year for stocks listed in Shanghai Stock Exchange. When minority shareholders’ voting opposition increases, the likelihood and frequency of regulatory penalties increase. The reverse happens after firms increase dividend payout. Minority shareholders’ voting opposition has a stronger positive effect on cash dividend payout when they post more messages in stock forums and when independent directors express dissenting opinions. The effect is weaker if the board chair or CEO has political connections. Minority shareholders’ voting opposition does not have significant effects on the growth rate of earnings and the level of earnings management. But we do find evidence that minority shareholder voting opposition reduces expropriation by major shareholders. The evidence supports a hypothesis that regulators use the minority shareholder voting results to screen out possible cases of shareholder oppression.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin, Jing & Li, Fang & Zheng, Steven Xiaofan & Zhou, Mingshan, 2023. "Minority shareholder voting and dividend policy," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:148:y:2023:i:c:s0378426622003284
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2022.106748
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    3. Zhang, Qianqian & Jiang, Chunzi & Liu, Baohua & Chan, Kam C., 2024. "Small but salient: Minority shareholders’ innovation attention in interactive online platforms and corporate innovation," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(PB).
    4. Han, Han & Wang, Zhibin & Zhao, Xueqing, 2023. "Minority shareholder activism, threat of exit and pay-performance sensitivity," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 56(C).
    5. Wang, Zhibin & Li, Zelei, 2023. "Does minority shareholder activism enhance corporate innovation? Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    6. Zhao, Yang, 2024. "Retail shareholder activism and investment efficiency," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    7. Li, Lu & Zheng, Gaoping & Zhong, Angel, 2024. "Reforming private securities litigation in China: Does private enforcement by minority shareholders matter to corporate fraud?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Minority shareholder; Voting; Dividend; Regulation; Expropriation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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