This study examines the market value of total, mandatory, and discretionary REIT dividends and supports dividend relevance. Consistent with agency cost theory, the results show dividends paid by REITs with greater potential agency conflicts have greater market value. Discretionary dividends paid...

Using Morningstar mutual fund stewardship grade data, we find that the governance mechanisms of mutual funds play a key role in their monitoring of portfolio firms and in their investment decisions. Mutual funds with better governance practices tend to vote responsibly on corporate governance...

This study examines the market value of REIT dividends conditional on transparency of operating structure and effectiveness of boards. Results suggest that total, mandatory and discretionary dividends are valued by the market. Consistent with agency cost theory, results provide some evidence...