At December 31, 2017, Shorts Company had retained earnings of $2,184,000. During 2017, the company issued stock for $98,000, and paid dividends of $34,000. Net income for 2017 was $402,000. How much was the retained earnings balance at the beginning of 2017? $1,914,000 $2,552,000 $2,454,000 $1,816,000