Despite theoretical a5sertions by M-M and others, many investors do care about dividends quite a bit. The chart below lists some factors that might affect an investor?s preference for dividends. Indicate whether the factors are likely to make an investor prefer to receive more or fewer dividends. Dividends are taxed in the year they are received, while capital gains are taxed when the stock is sold. When investors receive dividends today, they may choose to reinvest or consume goods. An investor is on a fixed income and depends upon returns from investment. If an investor dies, his heirs are not liable for taxes on the capital gains generated during the investor?s life. They are only liable for the capital gains earned since the investor?s death. The value of a dividend received today is known, but the value of a capital gain received in the future is uncertain