In meeting with a prospective client, you are presented with the following facts and circumstances: Twenty-five years ago, the client began an investment program. Today the investment is worth \($350,000.\) The client made annual payments of \($12,000\) per year. What was the average annual rate of return over the period?

A. 1.25 

B. 1.26 

C. 1.52

 D. 1.62