Answer:
Total return equals earnings multiplied by the dividend payout rate.
Explanation:
Total return is calculated as appreciation of price plus dividend paid, divided by the original price of the stock.
The income gained on a stock is the increase in its value along with dividend that is paid out. This is compared to the original price (denominator) to determine how much returns is realised on the stock.
Mathematically
Returns= {(New price- Old price) + Dividend} ÷ Old price
So the statement total return equals earnings multiplied by the dividend payout rate is false