Question

Firms U and L each have the same amount of assets, investor-supplied capital, and both have a return on investors' capital (ROIC) of 12%. 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 an after-tax cost of 8%. Both firms have positive net income and a 35% tax rate. Which of the following statements is CORRECT? a. Firm L has a lower ROE than Firm U. b. The two companies have the same times interest earned (TIE) ratio. c. Firm L has a lower ROA than Firm U. d. Firm L has the higher times interest earned (TIE) ratio. e. Firm L has a higher EBIT than Firm U.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is a.

Explanation:

In the question, it is given that there are two firms namely U and L who has same same amounts of assets, investor supplied material, and Return on investor capital.

The Firm U is unleveraged which has 100% equity

whereas,  Firm L is leveraged firm which has 50% debt and 50% equity

As we have to compare these two firms based on return on equity.

So, based on ROE, Firm U has 100% equity so it have more equity

And, the Firm L have 50% equity which means the firm has low equity as 50% contribution is gone to the debt.

The rest information which is given in the question is irrelevant. So, it is ignored.

Thus, the Firm L has a lower ROE than Firm U

Hence, the correct option is a.