Assume a firm uses the CAPM to determine its cost of equity. If the firm currently pays an annual dividend of $$3\mathrm{.}36$ per share and has a beta of $1\mathrm{.}38,$ all else constant, which of the following actions will increase the firm's cost of equity?

A$.$

A decrease in the firm's beta

B$.$

A decrease in the dividend amount

C$.$

An increase in the dividend amount

D$.$

A decrease in the market rate of return

E$.$

A decrease in the risk$-$free rate