9. Factors that influence dividend policy Distribution decisions are complicated and involve the understanding of critical strategic factors that affect the policy and value of a firm. Thus, the management of any firm has to consider the constraints on dividend payments, the availability and cost of alternative sources of capital, and other external factors when they create and implement their distribution policy. Consider the following restriction: Restrictions on dividend payments based on the liquidity position of the firm. Based on your understanding of the constraints on dividend payments, identify the type of constraint this condition represents. Assume that all other factors are held constant. O Penalty tax Impairment of capital rule Bond indenture Availability of cash