we estimate a number of descriptive statistics for our 23 sample countries in table 2. the statistics are provided separately for dividend payers and non-payers. the variable number is the total number of payers and non-payers, paid in previous year is the number of payers and non-payers in years t who had paid a dividend in the previous year, t-1. the size of a firm is measured by its market capitalization, computed s fiscal year closing price times shares outstanding, in millions of US$. local currencies are converted to US$ using fiscal-year end exchange rates. firm profitability is measured as earning (operating income) scaled by the book value of total assets, E/TA. growth opportunities of a firm are measured by(1) the firm's market-to-book ratio, M/B defined as book assets minus book equity plus market equity all divided by book value of assets, and(2)the firm's percentage change in assets. the lifecycle