Capital Investment Effects of Dividend Imputation

Abstract

We examine the effects of dividend imputation on corporate capital investment in New Zealand and Australia. The empirical findings indicate that: (1) dividend imputation stimulated corporate capital investment in both countries; (2) the positive impact of dividend imputation on capital investment overshadowed any negative effects arising from the new capital gains tax imposed in Australia; and (3) the dividend imputation effects on capital investment are most pronounced for highdividend-paying firms. In summary, we demonstrate the positive impact of dividend imputation on corporate capital investment. Our findings support the conclusions of the U.S. Treasury that the “traditional” double tax on corporate distributions increases the cost of equity capital to the corporate sector and creates a bias against investment by the corporate sector.