Startup Pipe has a market value equal to its book value. Currently, the company has excess cash of $14,652, other assets of $152,900, and equity valued at $144,300. There are 6,500 shares of stock outstanding and net income is $18,000. What will the new earnings per share be if the firm decides to use 50 percent of its excess cash to complete a stock repurchase?

Group of answer choices

$2.77

$1.85

$1.97

$2.92

$3.02