Smoltz Company reported the following information for the current year: cost of goods sold, \(\$ 315,100\); increase in inventory, \(\$ 14,700\); and increase in accounts payable, \(\$ 8,200\). What is the amount of cash paid to suppliers that Smoltz would report on its statement of cash flows under the direct method?

a. \(\$ 292,200\)

b. \(\$ 308,600\)

c. \(\$ 321,600\)

d. \(\$ 338,000\)