Does Ownership Structure Matter for Dividend Yield? Evidence from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Abstract

A research framework is developed to identify the key factors that would influence corporate dividend yield of Hong Kong listed companies. This study examines how ownership structure affects dividend yield using firm size, profitability, leverage, and firm development opportunities as control factors. The result reveals that ownership structure and profitability has the most important effect on divided yield. Firm size also determines the dividend payout but in negative relationship. It is suggested that firm leverage and market-to-book showed no significant influence on dividend policy. The findings in this study are useful for investors to understand what are the determinants of corporate dividend payout in Hong Kong so they can make wise and suitable choice.