This study shows that individual investors prefer to invest in high dividend yield stocks and in dividendpaying firms whereas relatively lower-taxed institutional investors tend to prefer low dividend yield stocks and non-paying firms. Consistent with Brennan and Thakor’s [Brennan, M. J., & A. V. Thakor. (1990). Shareholder preferences and dividend policy. Journal of Finance, 45, 993–1018] adve...