Which one of the following statements appears to be supported by the current dividend policies of U$.$S$.$ industrial firms?

Multiple Choice

Companies tend to increase the dividend amount per share, even when it's unclear if the increase can be maintained.

Investors no longer react to changes, either up or down, in dividends.

Newer, high$-$growth firms tend to pay larger dividends than mature firms.

Dividends are still viewed by shareholders as a signal of a company's future outlook.

Managers are no longer hesitant to lower dividend payments.