Auerbach Inc. issued 6% bonds on October 1, 2021. The bonds have a maturity date of September 30, 2031 and a face value of $450 million. The bonds pay interest each March 31 and September 30, beginning March 31, 2022. The effective interest rate established by the market was 8%. Assuming that Auerbach issued the bonds for $388,844,955, what interest expense would it recognize in its 2021 income statement? (Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your final answer to nearest whole dollar.)

Multiple Choice

$0.

$9,000,000.

$15,553,798.

$7,776,899.