Dividend Yield Investment Strategies, the Payout Ratio and Zero-Dividend Stocks

This study considers the application of both high-and zero-dividend strategies to the U.K. market. Following recent academic studies we conjecture that the payout ratio may provide a useful additional filter for portfolio construction and that zero-dividend stocks may also offer higher returns. These strategies do indeed outperform both the high-yield and index returns on an absolute basis but not when adjusted for risk and transaction costs.