The balance sheet follows the basic accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Owners’ Equity. This means that if assets increase, the increase must be matched by either an increase in liabilities, an increase in owners’ equity, or some combination of both. Therefore, assets can rise without liabilities rising if the increase is financed through owners’ equity. This might occur if the company issues new stock, receives additional capital contributions from owners, or retains earnings instead of distributing them as dividends. Choice A is incorrect because paying dividends reduces cash, which lowers assets and retained earnings. Choice B is also incorrect because depreciation reduces the book value of assets over time rather than increasing them. Choice C is not the best answer because restructuring long-term debt generally changes the form or timing of liabilities but does not explain an increase in assets without liabilities increasing. From a financial statement analysis perspective, understanding this relationship is essential when evaluating how a firm finances growth and how changes in the balance sheet affect leverage and ownership claims. Therefore, D is the correct answer because equity financing allows assets to increase without a matching increase in liabilities.