Houston Pumps recently reported $222,500 of sales, $140,500 of operating costs other than depreciation, and $9,250 of depreciation. The company had $35,250 of outstanding bonds that carry a 6.75% interest rate, and its federal-plus-state income tax rate was 35%. In order to sustain its operations and thus generate future sales and cash flows, the firm was required to spend $15,250 to buy new fixed assets and to invest $6,850 in net operating working capital. What was the firm's free cash flow?

a. $39,948

b. $26,517

c. $33,060

d. $34,438

e. $27,894