MEDIATING EFFECT OF FIRM VALUE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIVIDEND PAYOUT AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES OF LISTED CONSUMER GOODS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

The dynamism of corporate structure and vast expectations of stakeholders has made the study of dividend payout and growth opportunities remain ever relevant. This study investigated the mediating effect of firm value on the relationship between dividend payout and growth opportunities of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. A sample of 16 firms were selected from the population of the study, which consists of 20 consumer goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange as of 31st December 2019. The Baron and Kenny approach to mediation analysis using the structural equation model (SEM) was adopted in analyzing the data. The study found that firm value fully mediates the relationship between dividend payout and growth opportunities of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. In consonance with the finding, the study recommends that consumer goods firms should increase their dividend payout in order to increase their firm value and as well increase their growth opportunities.