A Company Paid a Cash Dividend of $72,000 to Stockholders

Multiple Choice

A company paid a cash dividend of $72,000 to stockholders.
What would the effect of this transaction on the current month's accounting equation?

A) No effect on Assets; $72,000 decrease in Liabilities; $72,000 increase in Stockholders' Equity
B) $72,000 increase in Assets; $72,000 increase in Liabilities; No effect on Stockholders' Equity
C) $72,000 decrease in Assets; No effect on Liabilities; $72,000 decrease in Stockholders' Equity
D) $72,000 decrease in Assets; $72,000 decrease in Liabilities; No effect on Stockholders' Equity