The accountant for Walter Company is preparing the company's statement of cash flows for the fiscal year just ended. The following information is available: Retained earnings balance at the beginning of the year $ 126,500 Cash dividends declared for the year 46,500 Proceeds from the sale of equipment 81,500 Gain on the sale of equipment 7,100 Cash dividends payable at the beginning of the year 18,500 Cash dividends payable at the end of the year 20,600 Net income for the year 92,500 The amount of cash dividends paid during the year would be:

Multiple Choice

• $249,000.

• $254,900.

• $277,000.

• $175,000.

• $44,400.