Final answer:
The dividends paid to shareholders during the year can be calculated by finding the change in retained earnings.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the dividends paid to shareholders during the year, we need to find the change in retained earnings. Retained earnings represent the cumulative profits of a company that have not been distributed as dividends. The change in retained earnings is calculated by subtracting the previous retained earnings from the current retained earnings:
Change in Retained Earnings = Current Retained Earnings - Previous Retained Earnings
Change in Retained Earnings = $825 million - $784 million
Change in Retained Earnings = $41 million
Therefore, $41 million in dividends were paid to shareholders during the year.