Bramble Corporation is a small wholesaler of gourmet food products. Data regarding the store's operations follow:

• Sales are budgeted at $400,000 for November, $380,000 for December, and $370,000 for January.
• Collections are expected to be 45% in the month of sale and 55% in the month following the sale.
• The cost of goods sold is 75% of sales.
• The company would like to maintain ending merchandise inventories equal to 65% of the next month's cost of goods sold. Payment for merchandise is made in the month following the purchase.
• Other monthly expenses to be paid in cash are $24,600.
• Monthly depreciation is $15,600.
• Ignore taxes.

Balance Sheet October 31
Assets
Cash	$	20,600
Accounts receivable		70,600
Merchandise inventory		195,000
Property, plant and equipment, net of $572,600 accumulated depreciation		1,094,600
Total assets	$	1,380,800
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable	$	254,600
Common stock		820,600
Retained earnings		305,600
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,380,800

The cost of December merchandise purchases would be:

Garrison 16e Rechecks 2017-10-03, 2018-07-24

Multiple Choice

• $280,125

• $285,000

• $300,000

• $180,375