FIRM ATTRIBUTES AND DIVIDEND POLICY OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

This study examined the effect of firm attributes on the dividend policies of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria using firm leverage and firm liquidity as the proxy for independent variables. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. Data were extracted from annual report and accounts of the sampled banks in Nigeria. Multiple regression analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The result of the study revealed that firm liquidity has no significant effect on the dividend payout at 5% level of significance, while leverage ratio has significant effect on the dividend payout. From the findings, this study recommended among others, that firm leverage has significant effect on dividend policies, there is need to maintain optimal leverage levels to balance capital adequacy requirements and ensure dividend sustainability and financial stability.