Hardwig Inc. is considering whether to pursue a restricted or relaxed current asset investment policy. The firm's annual sales are expected to total $3,600,000, its fixed assets turnover ratio equals 4.0, and its debt and common equity are each 50% of total assets. EBIT is $150,000, the interest rate on the firm's debt is 10%, and the tax rate is 25%. If the company follows a restricted policy, its total assets turnover will be 2.5. Under a relaxed policy its total assets turnover will be 2.2. Refer to the data for Hardwig Inc. If the firm adopts a restricted policy, how much lower would its interest expense be than under the relaxed policy?

a. $9,327

b. $8,418

c. $8,861

d. $9,818

e. $10,309