Bramble Corporation is a small wholesaler of gourmet food products. Data regarding the store's operations follow: Sales are budgeted at $340,000 for November, $320,000 for December, and $310,000 for January. Collections are expected to be 80% in the month of sale and 20% in the month following the sale. The cost of goods sold is 75% of sales. The company would like to maintain ending merchandise inventories equal to 60% of the next month's cost of goods sold. Payment for merchandise is made in the month following the purchase. Other monthly expenses to be paid in cash are $24,000. Monthly depreciation is $15,000. Ignore taxes. Balance Sheet October 31 Assets Cash $ 20,000 Accounts receivable 70,000 Merchandise inventory 153,000 Property, plant and equipment, net of $572,000 accumulated depreciation 1,094,000 Total assets $ 1,337,000 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Accounts payable $ 254,000 Common stock 820,000 Retained earnings 263,000 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,337,000 The cost of December merchandise purchases would be: Multiple Choice $255,000 $139,500 $235,500 $240,000