Abstract

This study examines the determinants of dividend distribution by unlisted companies in Cameroon. The hypotheses are from the theoretical frameworks of the agency and the signal in which agents justify the practice of dividend distribution. The sample consists of 67 Limited Companies and Limited Liability Companies that carry out or not this practice. The data were processed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). We notice that the shareholding concentration, the investment level and the total debt negatively affect the frequency of dividend distribution. On the other hand, profitability plays a key role on dividend distribution.

Key words: Dividend payout, agency theory, signal theory, unlisted companies.