Retained earnings at the beginning and end of the year totaled $25,000 and $75,000, respectively. Net income reported during the period was $70,000. Using this information, dividends paid will be reported as ______ on the statement of cash flows.

a. a decrease of $50,000 in the financing activities section.
b. a decrease of $20,000 in the financing activities section.
c. an increase of $50,000 in the financing activities section.
d. an increase of $20,000 in the financing activities section.