A permanent decrease in profits is expected to result in a decrease in the dividend payment level; however this would probably not lead to a decrease in the payout ratio. If interest rates were to increase, it would make retained earnings a more attractive way of financing new investment; as a result, the payout ratio would be more likely to decline. A decrease in the capital gains tax rate would (for investors that pay tax) make capital gains more appealing; accordingly, aggregate payout ratios would be expected to decline. |
