Dividends declared are net income less the increase in retained earnings ($800,000 - $300,000 = $500,000). Dividends declared less the increase in dividends payable is dividends paid ($500,000 – ($300,000 - $200,000) = $400,000). This is a cash outflow so it is a negative number. Dividends paid are always cash flow from financing under U.S. GAAP. Note that accounts payable changes are included in cash flow from operations (CFO).
