Evidence from Tax-Exempt Firms on Motives for Participating in Sale-Leaseback Agreements

Abstract:

Previous research finds evidence that tax factors motivate the participants in leasing transactions. Tax-arbitrage arguments predict that leasing participants gain when the lessor’s tax rate exceeds that of the lessee. The research employs a sample of effectively tax-exempt REIT lessors to explore alternative leasing motives. Changes in REIT qualification rules are examined to develop an Agency-Cost, and competing Income-Retention Hypothesis for lessors. The rules and changes suggest that REIT management has the incentive, motive and opportunity to make real-estate investments quickly. The evidence developed is consistent with agency-costs arising from the possibility that they may overpay for properties.