This study extends the literature that examines the relation between ex
post returns and dividend yield. These studies hypothesize that higher levels
of dividend tax rates relative to capital gain tax rates increase required equity
returns and that this effect is increasing in dividend yield. Litzenberger
and Ramaswamy [1979, 1980, 1982] find a positive relation between return
and dividend yield in support of dividend tax capitalization. However, Black
and Scholes [1974] find no relation between return and dividend yield.
Additionally, Miller and Scholes [1982] and Blume [1980] identify methodological
issues that may explain the results of early studies that find evidence
of dividend tax capitalization.