A technique to increase the perceived return to equity shareholders is _______________________.

A) issuing new shares.
B) diluting existing shares.
C) deduce the use of debt.
D) through the use of leverage.

The use of leverage (borrowing funds to finance the acquisition of assets) can increase the perceived return to equity shareholders by amplifying the potential returns on their investment. This is because if the investment funded by debt generates a higher return than the cost of the debt, the excess return benefits the equity shareholders.