Factors Affecting Dividend Payout : (Evidence from Listed Non-Financial Firms of Karachi Stock Exchange)

The study under reader's view is an effort to reveal the inside dynamics for determination of Dividend Payout with reference to Non Financial Firms listed in the KSE100 Index. In light of prior literature, key explanatory variables were identified as Earnings, Firm Size, Growth, Profitability, Corporate Tax & Financial Leverage. Through observation, 53 such companies were identified from the listed non financial firms in the Karachi Stock Exchange that have been paying out dividend consistently for the past 6 years (2005-2010), hence encompassing one complete business cycle. These 53 companies represent 11 sectors. Multivariate Regression Analysis was identified as the most appropriate tool for econometric analysis of the data. Data was tested to fulfill the conditions of OLS. Regression Results revealed that Corporate Tax and Firm's Size had significant relationship with Dividend Payout. Rest of the four explanatory variables were found to be insignificant in context of Pakistani market. This paper is a must read for Capital Market Students & Investors.