9. All else constant, which one of the following will increase a firm's cost of equity if the firm computes that cost using the security market line approach? Assume the firm currently pays an annual dividend of $1 a share and has a beta of 1.2. A. a reduction in the dividend amount B. an increase in the dividend amount C. a reduction in the market rate of return D. a reduction in the firm's beta E. a reduction in the risk-free rate