S.L. Moffatt, Inc. has paid a quarterly dividend of $1.20 per share for the last ten quarters. Which one of the following is most apt to cause the firm to reduce the amount of its next dividend payment?()

an increase in the next quarter's net income

major lump sum cash outflow next month to settle a class action product liability lawsuit on a product that is no longer produced

a sharp increase in the number of new projects under consideration for the next few years as compared to last year

the addition of a major new customer which increases the firm's outlook for the next few years