Problem:
On its 1999 balance sheet, Sherman Books showed a balance of retained earnings equal to $510 million. On its 2000 balance sheet, the balance of retained earnings was also equal to $510 million. Which of the following statements is most correct?
A. The company must have had net income equal to zero in 2000.
B. The company did not pay a dividend in 2000.
C. If the company's net income in 2000 was $200 million, dividends paid must have also equaled $200 million.
D. If the company lost money in 2000, they must have paid a dividend.
E. None of the statements above is correct.