Abstract:

This study did evaluate factors that affect the payment of dividend of agricultural firms quote on the Nigeria stock exchange. The study utilized the correlation and descriptive research design with a sample of six (6) quoted agricultural firms for a period of five (5) years (2015-2019). The technique of data analysis employed is the panel multiple regression technique. Secondary data were extracted from the financial statement of the sampled agricultural firms quoted in Nigerian stock exchange. The Results from the regression analysis showed profitability represented by earning per share and the size of quoted agricultural firms in Nigeria positively and significantly influence their policy on paying out dividend to their shareholders. Therefore, the study recommends that those charge with governance should set a stable dividend policy that will ensure the consistency of dividend payment in order to maximize the value of their firm. Furthermore, the study also recommends that management should monitor the level of retained earnings so as to be able to pay dividend as at when due and that board of directors should take this result into consideration in maximizing firm value