Selected income statement data follow for Harper, Inc., for the year ended December 31 (in thousands). What is the company's times interest earned ratio?

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes: $1,025,959

Interest Expense= $29,670

Statutory taz rate= 37%

Provision for income taxes= $332,410

Net income= $693,548

a) 34.6

b) 24.4

c) 35.6

d) 11.2

e) None of these are correct