Dividend Dynamics in the Shipping Industry: A Panel Data Analysis of Partial Adjustment Models

Abstract

This study explores the dividend dynamics of globally-listed firms in the idiosyncratic maritime sector. Employing an array of dynamic panel estimators in a sample of globally-listed shipping firms for the period 1988 to 2019 we provide empirical evidence that the degree of dividend smoothing (speed of adjustment) in the maritime sector is comparatively lower (higher). We also show that the speed of adjustment after deviations from the target is significantly higher in recession states. Our results document higher flexibility in the shipping industry's dividend payouts, reflecting its distinct traits that amplify the adverse impacts of financing shocks.