Indicate whether each of the following types of transactions will either $($a$)$ increase stockholders' equity or $($b$)$ decrease stockholders' equity:

Issued common stock in exchange for cash.

Received cash for services performed for customers.

Paid business expenses.

Paid dividends.

Increase

Decrease

Net income and dividends

The income statement for the month of February indicates a net income of $$17,500.$ During the same period, $$25,500$ in cash dividends were paid. Would it be correct to say that the business incurred a net loss of $$8,000$ during the month?