Suster Company has a retained earnings balance of

$170,000 at the beginning of the period. At the end of the period, the retained earnings balance was $222,000.

Assuming a dividend of $25,000 was declared and paid during the period, the net income for the period was:

a. $27,000.

b. $52,000.

c. $77,000.

d. $197,000.