The 2011 financial statements of The Lowell Inc. reveal average common shareholders' equity of $2,708,130 thousand, net operating profit after tax of $176,109 thousand, net income attributable to Lowell Inc. of $129,990 thousand, and average net operating assets of $ 2,414,864 thousand. The company's return on equity (ROE) for the year is:

A. 8.6%

B. 4.8%

C. 9.6%

D. 4.3%

E. There is not enough information to calculate the ratio.