Question

If you bought a share of common stock, you would probably expect to receive dividends plus an eventual capital gain. Would the distribution between the dividend yield and the capital gains yield be influenced by the firm’s decision to pay more dividends rather than to retain and reinvest more of its earnings? Explain

Answer 1

Answer: Yes, the distribution between the dividend yield and the capital gains yield would influence the firm’s decision to pay more dividends rather than to retain and reinvest more of its earnings.

Explanation:

Yes, If a company decides to increase its dividend payout ratio, the dividend yield component will rise, but the expected long-term capital gains yield will decline as there is less to reinvest in the company. Also, if the company doesn't pay out dividends, there's more to reinvest in the company. Stable and older companies that are not on a growth objective rely on investors that prefer dividends more than share price appreciation. On the other hand, emerging companies, are inclined to share price appreciation to attract investors. Investors understand that all retained earnings are going towards marketing and growth objectives.