2. Your study group comprises of five members: John, Mary, Connor, Laurel and Christopher. They have been studying for an upcoming end-of-term exam. As a part of their preparation, they use session themes. Each member of the study group provides a catch-phrase related to the theme around which they hold a discussion to sift the best argument. Currently the theme that they are working with is: Theories about Investors dividend preferences.

The following catch-phrases are provided by the team members: John: The homemade dividend strategy argues that investors impose their dividend preference on the firm. Mary: The bird-in-hand theory suggests that a company can reduce its cost of equity capital by reducing its dividend payout ratio. Connor: A company can always increase its stock price by increasing its dividend payout ratio. Laurel: An increase in a firm's inclination to pay dividends may be because of a decline in profitable investment opportunities in the future. Christopher: Relevant or not, frequent changes in dividend policy can harm a firm.

(a) As a leader of this study group, you are required to indicate both the right and wrong arguments with suitable reasons.