Antecedents of Dividend Payout Among Listed Non-Financial Companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchanges, Kenya

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to establish the antecedents of dividend payout among listed non-financial Companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchanges, Kenya, with four specific objectives; to establish the effect of profitability, capital expenditure, leverage and liquidity on dividend pay-out of listed non-financial companies in NSE. The study was founded on Modigliani and miller hypothesis, signalling hypothesis, birds in hand fallacy, Agency and clientele policy. Using correlation research design, the study examined the antecedents of dividend pay-out of listed non-financial companies listed in Kenya for the period 2008 to 2019. The result showed a positive and significant relationship between dividend pay-out ratio and profitability, liquidity and leverage. It also shows negative association between dividend pay-out and capital expenditure. It was concluded that capital expenditure significantly influences dividend paid out negatively. Interest payment for long term debt takes priority as a charge on the profit made by the company. An improvement of a company's liquidity would lead to a better compensation to shareholder inform of dividend distributions. Listed companies therefore are expected to pay dividends when the companies are performing well because otherwise shareholders may question the proceeding of the announced profit or results to signaling effect. Listed companies should arrange the financing of capital expenditure so as ensure shareholder remains at an advantage and enable the company to recover its cost on capital and expected returns