Ruth Company produces 1,000 units of a necessary component with the following costs:

Direct Materials $34,000

Direct Labor 15,000

Variable Overhead 9,000

Fixed Overhead 10,000

Ruth Company could avoid $6,000 in fixed overhead costs if it acquires the components externally. If cost minimization is a major consideration and the company would prefer to buy the components, what is the maximum external price that Ruth Company would accept to acquire the 1,000 units externally?

a. $58,000

b. $64,000

c. $59,000

d. $62,000