The following lots of a particular commodity were available for sale during the year:

Beginning inventory 10 units at $52
First purchase 16 units at $54
Second purchase 26 units at $24
Third purchase 18 units at $60

The firm uses the periodic system, and there are 22 units of the commodity on hand at the end of the year.

What is the ending inventory balance at the end of the year rounded to nearest dollar according to the average cost method? Do not round intermediate calculations.

a. $1,168

b. $1,176

c. $1,144

d. $971