Question: If a firm adheres strictly to the residual dividend policy, a sale of new common stock by the firm would suggest that
a. the dividend payout ratio has remained constant.
b. the dividend payout ratio is increasing.
c. no dividends were paid for the year.
d. the dividend payout ratio is decreasing.
e. the dollar amount of dividends has decreased.
Discuss fully the reasons for your choice, then discuss briefly why the other choices are not correct.