Answer:
9.82
Explanation:
Given that,
Assets = $18 billion
Tax rate = 35%
Basic earning power (BEP) ratio = 12%
Return on assets (ROA) = 7%
BEP = EBIT ÷ Total Assets
12% = EBIT ÷ $18 billion
EBIT = 12% × $18 billion
= $2.16 billion
ROA = Net Income ÷ Total Assets
7% = Net Income ÷ $18 billion
Net Income = 7% × $18 billion
= $1.26 billion
Earning before tax:
= Net income ÷ (1 - tax)
= $1.26 ÷ (1 - 0.35)
= $1.26 ÷ 0.65
= $1.94 billion
Interest Expense:
= EBIT - EBT
= $2.16 billion - $1.94 billion
= $0.22 billion
Times interest earned ratio:
= EBIT ÷ Interest expense
= $2.16 billion ÷ $0.22 billion
= 9.82
