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Corporate Dividend Policies during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Nasir Ali

    (Faisalabad Business School, National Textile University, Faisalabad 37610, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Zia Ur Rehman

    (Faisalabad Business School, National Textile University, Faisalabad 37610, Pakistan)

  • Badar Nadeem Ashraf

    (LSBU Business School, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK)

  • Falik Shear

    (Faisalabad Business School, National Textile University, Faisalabad 37610, Pakistan)

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the changes in corporate dividend policies during the COVID-19 shock. For empirical analysis, we employ annual data of 360 companies from the Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2015–2020. Using descriptive analysis and Logit regression models, we find that firms were more likely to either omit or reduce dividend payments during the pandemic year of 2020 as compared to the trends in pre-COVID-19 years of 2015–2019. Further, firms with higher profitability, asset turnover and size were less likely to opt for dividend omissions. On the contrary, dividend omissions were more likely among firms with higher debt ratios. The findings of this study helps to understand firm dividend policies during crisis periods.

Suggested Citation

  • Nasir Ali & Muhammad Zia Ur Rehman & Badar Nadeem Ashraf & Falik Shear, 2022. "Corporate Dividend Policies during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Economies, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:10:y:2022:i:11:p:263-:d:951501
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zouhair Boumlik & Badia Oulhadj & Olivier Colot, 2023. "The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Corporate Dividend Policy of Moroccan Listed Firms," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-17, July.

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