Balance sheet and income statement data indicate the following:

Bonds payable, 10% (due in two years)	$899,000
Preferred 5% stock, $100 par (no change during year)	276,000
Common stock, $50 par (no change during year)	1,947,000
Income before income tax for year	308,000
Income tax for year	87,000
Common dividends paid	97,350
Preferred dividends paid	13,800

Based on the data presented, what is the times interest earned ratio (rounded to one decimal place)?

a.5.9

b.2.4

c.3.4

d.4.4