The table given below summarizes the $2022$ income statement and end$-$year balance sheet of Drake's Bowling Alleys. Drake's financial manager forecasts a $10\%$ increase in sales and costs in $2023.$ The ratio of sales to average assets is expected to remain at $0\mathrm{.}40.$ Interest is forecasted at $5\%$ of debt at the start of the year.

${?}^a$ Assets at the end of $2021$ were $$3,120,000.$

Debt at the end of $2021$ was $$800,000.$

$\backslash$table$[[\backslash$table$[[$Balance Sheet$],[$$ in thousands$]]],[$Net assets,$$3,380,$Debt,$ $800],[,,$Equity,$2,580],[$Total$,$$$3,380,$Total,$ $3,380]]$

a$.$ What is the implied level of assets at the end of $2023?$

Note: Enter your answer in dollars not in thousands.

b$.$ If the company pays out $50\%$ of net income as dividends, how much cash will Drake need to raise in the capital markets in $2023?$ Assumes debt remains constant.

Note: Do not round intermediate calculations. Enter your answer in dollars not in thousands.

c$.$ If Drake is unwilling to make an equity issue, what will be the debt ratio at the end of $2023?$

Note: Enter your answer as a percent rounded to nearest whole number.

a$.$ Ending assets

b$.$ External financing need

c$.$ Debt ratio