Dividend yield, Return on Equity, alternative

I don't see Dividend Yield as a useful way to measure the performance of companies as the current share price is often fickle and volatile (tautology deliberate). Both inputs to the equation are from the perspective of the shareholder, who is interested in dividends and capital growth.

Dividends Per Share

Share Price

Similarly, I don't see Return on Equity as a useful way to measure the performance of companies as both inputs to the equation are from the perspective of the company (they are "internal", accounting figures).

Net Income

Shareholder Equity

I would be interested to see the outcome of comparing the net income to the cash inflows from shareholders, adjusted for inflation since the inflow, less outflows to shareholders (in the form of dividends). Also interesting would be a comparison of current market capitalisation agains cash inflows from shareholders, adjusted for inflation since the inflow, less outflows to shareholders.