The right side of the balance sheet shows the firm's liabilities and stockholders' equity. Which of the following best describes shareholders' equity? Equity is the difference between the company's assets and liabilities. Equity is the initial claim on value of the assets before the firm pays off its liabilities. NOW Inc. released its annual results and financial statements. Grace is reading the summary in the business pages of today's paper. In its annual report this year, NOW Inc. reported a net income of $136 million. Last year, the company reported a retained earnings balance of $425 million, whereas this year it increased to $500 million. How much was paid out in dividends this year? $61 million $4 million $310 million $211 million