The influence of financial constraint on peer influence of cash dividend decision – Evidence from China

Abstract

We analyse the influence of financial constraints on the peer effect of dividend decision in China by employing the Carhart four-factor model to construct instrument variables of peer influence. We find that (1) the decision of whether to pay cash dividends (DIV) is significantly influenced by peers, and the estimated marginal effect is 0.53%, but the question of whether to pay catering dividends and the extent of such dividends to be paid are not significantly affected by peers. (2) Under the semi-mandatory dividend policy in China, financial constraints will significantly reduce peer influence on the dividend level. (3) Peer influence on DIV is more pronounced among companies that face high financial constraints.

Keywords

• dividend decision
• peer influence
• financial constraint
• conduction path
• carhart four-factor model