Akers Company, a 100% owned subsidiary of Muhs Corporation, sells inventory to Muhs at a 30% profit on selling price. The following data are available pertaining to inter-company purchases by Muhs:

              Inter-company sales:                            Unsold at year-end based on selling price:

2014:              $ 9,600                           2014:            $ 1,440

2015:              $14,400                         2015:               $4,800

2016:              $18,000                         2016:               $3,600

Akers’ profit numbers were $84,000, $102,000 and $112,800 for 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. Muhs received dividends from Akers of $12,000 for 2014 and 2015, and $18,000 for 2016.

What is the balance in Equity Income for 2014?

a. $84,000

b. $82,560

c. $83,568

d.   $74,400