Firms U and L both have a basic earning power ratio of 20% and each has the same amount of assets.Firm U is unleveraged,i.e.,it is 100% equity financed,while Firm L is financed with 50% debt and 50% equity.Firm L's debt has a before-tax cost of 8%.Both firms have positive net income.Which of the following statements is CORRECT?
A) Firm L has a lower ROA than Firm U.
B) Firm L has a lower ROE than Firm U.
C) Firm L has the higher times interest earned (TIE) ratio.
D) Firm L has a higher EBIT than Firm U.
E) The two companies have the same times interest earned (TIE) ratio.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Firm L has a lower ROA than Firm U because ROA is affected by the interest expense from the debt, which reduces net income, while Firm U has no such expense.

Firms U and L Both Have a Basic Earning Power